Method and Apparatus for a Textural Representation of a Guidance

ABSTRACT

A method comprising receiving an indication of a first input associated with an information item, determining that the first input corresponds with a first part of an invocation input associated with invocation of display of, at least part of, content associated with the information item, identifying a second part of the invocation input, the second part of the invocation input being immediately subsequent to the first part of the invocation input, and causing rendering, on a variable texture surface, of a textural representation of a guidance indicative of the second part is disclosed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to a textural representationof a guidance.

BACKGROUND

As electronic apparatuses play an increasing role in the lives of theirusers, it has become increasingly desirable to allow for interactionbetween the user and the electronic apparatus in a manner that allowsthe user to perform other actions safely and without undue distractionfrom the electronic apparatus. For example, it may be desirable for theinput from the user to be appropriate to the utilization of theelectronic apparatus and the action being performed by the user. Inanother example, it may be desirable for the information provided to theuser to be appropriate to the utilization of the electronic apparatusand the action being performed by the user.

SUMMARY

Various aspects of examples of the invention are set out in the claims.

One or more embodiments may provide an apparatus, a computer readablemedium, a non-transitory computer readable medium, a computer programproduct, and a method for receiving an indication of an invocation inputassociated with invocation of display of, at least part of, anotification content associated with a notification, determining atleast one input aspect of the invocation input, determining aninteraction preference based, at least in part, on the input aspect, andcausing display of, at least part of, the notification content incompliance with the interaction preference.

One or more embodiments may provide an apparatus, a computer readablemedium, a computer program product, and a non-transitory computerreadable medium having means for receiving an indication of aninvocation input associated with invocation of display of, at least partof, a notification content associated with a notification, means fordetermining at least one input aspect of the invocation input, means fordetermining an interaction preference based, at least in part, on theinput aspect, and means for causing display of, at least part of, thenotification content in compliance with the interaction preference.

In at least one example embodiment, the input aspect relates to at leastone of: a movement speed, a force, a direction, or a number of contactinputs.

In at least one example embodiment, the interaction preference relatesto at least one of: a duration associated with display of notificationcontent, a speed associated with display of content, amount ofnotification content to be displayed, or an animation associated withdisplay of content.

In at least one example embodiment, the duration associated with displayof notification content relates to at least one of: a durationassociated with retention of the notification content, a durationassociated with introduction of the notification content, or a durationassociated with removal of the notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, the speed associated with display ofnotification content relates to at least one of: a speed associated withintroduction of the notification content, or a speed associated withremoval of the notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, the animation associated withdisplay of notification content relates to at least one of: an animationassociated with introduction of the notification content, or ananimation associated with removal of the notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, causing display of the notificationcontent comprises introduction of the notification content, retention ofthe notification content, removal of the notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, causing display of the notificationcontent in compliance with the interaction preference relates to causingintroduction of the notification content in compliance with theinteraction preference.

In at least one example embodiment, causing display of the notificationcontent in compliance with the interaction preference relates to causingretention of the notification content in compliance with the interactionpreference.

In at least one example embodiment, causing display of the notificationcontent in compliance with the interaction preference relates to causingremoval of the notification content in compliance with the interactionpreference.

In at least one example embodiment, determination of the interactionpreference comprises determining, at least one, interaction preferenceaspect, wherein causing display of the notification content incompliance with the interaction preference comprises causing display ofthe notification content in compliance with the interaction preferenceaspect.

In at least one example embodiment, the interaction preference aspectcorresponds with the input aspect.

One or more example embodiments further perform determining theinteraction preference aspect to be directly proportional to the inputaspect.

In at least one example embodiment, the input aspect relates to aduration of a movement input comprised by the invocation input, andwherein the interaction preference aspect relates to at least one of: anintroduction of the notification content having a duration directlyproportional to the duration of the movement input, retention of thenotification content having a duration directly proportional to theduration of the movement input, or removal of the notification contenthaving a duration directly proportional to the duration of the movementinput.

In at least one example embodiment, the input aspect relates to adistance of a movement input comprised by the invocation input, andwherein the interaction preference aspect relates to at least one of: anintroduction of the notification content having a duration directlyproportional to the distance of the movement input, retention of thenotification content having a duration directly proportional to thedistance of the movement input, or removal of the notification contenthaving a duration directly proportional to the distance of the movementinput.

One or more example embodiments further perform determining theinteraction preference aspect to be inversely proportional to the inputaspect.

In at least one example embodiment, the input aspect relates to a speedof a movement input comprised by the invocation input, and wherein theinteraction preference aspect relates to at least one of: anintroduction of the notification content having a duration inverselyproportional to the speed of the movement input, retention of thenotification content having a duration inversely proportional to thespeed of the movement input, removal of the notification content havinga duration inversely proportional to the speed of the movement input.

In at least one example embodiment, the invocation input comprises aninitiation part and a termination part.

In at least one example embodiment, the causation of display of thenotification content in compliance with the interaction preference isperformed after the termination part of the invocation input.

One or more example embodiments further perform determining anexpressiveness preference based, at least in part, on the input aspect,wherein the interaction preference is based, at least in part, on theexpressiveness preference.

In at least one example embodiment, the interaction preference relatesto an animation associated with display of content, and wherein theanimation is based at least in part on the expressiveness preference.

One or more example embodiments further perform determining anattentiveness level based, at least in part, on the input aspect,wherein the interaction preference is based, at least in part, on theattentiveness level.

In at least one example embodiment, amount of notification content to bedisplayed is based, at least in part on the attentiveness level.

In at least one example embodiment, the amount of notification contentto be displayed is directly proportional to the attentiveness level.

In at least one example embodiment, causing display of the notificationcontent in compliance with the interaction preference relates to a seethrough display, and the amount of notification content to be displayedis based, at least in part, on obscurance of display area associatedwith the see through display.

In at least one example embodiment, obscurance relates to causation ofobscuring.

In at least one example embodiment, the see through display is a neareye display.

One or more example embodiments further perform determining a cognitiveload of the notification content, wherein the interaction preference isbased, at least in part, on the cognitive load.

One or more embodiments may provide an apparatus, a computer readablemedium, a computer readable medium, a non-transitory computer readablemedium, a computer program product, and a method for determining toprovide a notification to a user, determining a textural representationof the notification based, at least in part, on notification contentassociated with the notification, and causing rendering of the texturalrepresentation of the notification on a variable texture surface.

One or more embodiments may provide an apparatus, a computer readablemedium, a computer readable medium, a computer program product, and anon-transitory computer readable medium having means for determining toprovide a notification to a user, means for determining a texturalrepresentation of the notification based, at least in part, onnotification content associated with the notification, and causingrendering of the textural representation of the notification on avariable texture surface.

In at least one example embodiment, the notification content is absentinformation that designates a texture.

In at least one example embodiment, the variable texture surface isphysically decoupled from a display upon which a visual representationof the notification is displayed.

In at least one example embodiment, the display is a see throughdisplay.

In at least one example embodiment, the see through display is a neareye display.

One or more example embodiments further perform determining at least onecontent classification associated with the notification content, whereinthe textural representation of the notification is based, at least inpart, on the content classification.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of thenotification is indicative of the content classification.

In at least one example embodiment, the content classification relatesto a content perception classification.

In at least one example embodiment, the content perceptionclassification relates to at least one of: text content, audio content,image content, or video content.

In at least one example embodiment, the content classification relatesto a content delivery classification.

In at least one example embodiment, the content delivery classificationrelates to at least one of: a message, a phone call, or a broadcast.

In at least one example embodiment, the message relates to at least oneof: an email, an instant message, or a text message.

In at least one example embodiment, the broadcast relates to at leastone of: and information feed, a telecast, or a radiocast.

One or more example embodiments further perform determining a senderassociated with the notification content, wherein the texturalrepresentation of the notification is based, at least in part on thesender.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of thenotification is indicative of the sender.

One or more example embodiments further perform determining arelationship between the user and the sender, wherein the texturalrepresentation of the notification is based, at least in part on therelationship.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of thenotification is indicative of the relationship.

One or more example embodiments further perform determining a cognitiveload associated with the notification content, wherein the texturalrepresentation of the notification is based, at least in part, on thecognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, a magnitude of the texturalrepresentation of the notification is directly proportional to amagnitude of the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, a size of the texturalrepresentation of the notification is based, at least in part, on thecognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, determining the texturalrepresentation of the notification relates to determining at least oneof: a texture type, a texture magnitude, or a size, of the texturalrepresentation of the notification.

One or more example embodiments further perform determining a positionof the textural representation of the notification, wherein the positionof the textural representation of the notification relates to a positionon the variable texture surface.

In at least one example embodiment, the position of the texturalrepresentation of the notification relates to a position of a selectionpoint.

In at least one example embodiment, the selection point is visuallyunrepresented.

In at least one example embodiment, the position of the texturalrepresentation of the notification is based, at least in part, on apositional correlation between the variable texture surface and theselection point.

In at least one example embodiment, the position of the selection pointcorrelates to a fixed position of the variable texture surface.

In at least one example embodiment, the fixed position of the variabletexture surface is a geometric center of the variable texture surface.

In at least one example embodiment, the variable texture surfacecorresponds with a touch sensor, wherein the position of the selectionpoint is based, at least in part, on touch sensor information receivedfrom the touch sensor.

In at least one example embodiment, the touch sensor information isindicative of selection point movement.

In at least one example embodiment, the position of the selection pointis based, at least in part, on gaze tracking information.

In at least one example embodiment, determining to provide anotification comprises receiving an indication of content, anddetermining to provide a notification to the user that signifies thecontent.

One or more embodiments may provide an apparatus, a computer readablemedium, a computer readable medium, a non-transitory computer readablemedium, a computer program product, and a method for receiving anindication of a first input associated with an information item,determining that the first input corresponds with a first part of aninvocation input associated with invocation of display of, at least partof, content associated with the information item, identifying a secondpart of the invocation input, the second part of the invocation inputbeing immediately subsequent to the first part of the invocation input,and causing rendering, on a variable texture surface, of a texturalrepresentation of a guidance indicative of the second part.

One or more embodiments may provide an apparatus, a computer readablemedium, a computer readable medium, a computer program product, and anon-transitory computer readable medium having means for receiving anindication of a first input associated with an information item,determining that the first input corresponds with a first part of aninvocation input associated with invocation of display of, at least partof, content associated with the information item, identifying a secondpart of the invocation input, the second part of the invocation inputbeing immediately subsequent to the first part of the invocation input,and causing rendering, on a variable texture surface, of a texturalrepresentation of a guidance indicative of the second part.

One or more example embodiments further perform receiving an indicationof a second input that corresponds with the second part, and causingdisplay of, at least part of, the content based, at least in part, ondetermination that the second input corresponds with the second part.

In at least one example embodiment, the second part relates to amovement input and the guidance is indicative of the movement input.

In at least one example embodiment, the guidance relates to a directionof the movement input.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of theguidance relates to a texture that is communicative of a preference forthe movement input.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of theguidance relates to less textural resistance in a direction thatcomplies with the second part than the textural resistance in adirection that fails to comply with the second part.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of theguidance being indicative of a direction that complies with the secondpart relates to being indicative of animal fur being stroked along thelay of the fur.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of theguidance being indicative of a direction that fails to comply with thesecond part relates to being indicative of animal fur being stroked inopposition to the lay of the fur.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural resistance relates tofriction associated with the textural representation of the guidance.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of theguidance relates to a texture that is communicative of a differencebetween the movement input and a movement of the second input.

One or more example embodiments further perform receiving an indicationof a direction associated with, at least part of, the second input,determining the textural representation of the guidance based, at leastin part, on a difference between a direction of the second input and thedirection associated with the second input.

One or more example embodiments further perform receiving an indicationthat the direction of, at least part of, the second input becomescompliant with the second part, and reducing textural resistance of thetextural representation of the guidance based, at least in part, on thedirection.

One or more example embodiments further perform receiving an indicationthat the direction of, at least part of, the second input becomesnon-compliant with the second part, and increasing textural resistanceof the textural representation of the guidance based, at least in part,on the direction.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of theguidance relates to a textural path on the variable texture surface.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural path corresponds to alesser textural resistance along the textural path than the texturalresistance outside of the textural path.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural path corresponds to agreater textural resistance along the textural path than the texturalresistance outside of the textural path.

In at least one example embodiment, the second part relates to a forceinput, and the guidance is indicative of the force input.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of theguidance relates to a texture that is communicative of a preference forthe force input.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of theguidance relates to less textural resistance to indicate a lesser forceinput than the textural resistance of a greater force.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of theguidance relates to greater textural resistance to indicate a lesserforce input than the textural resistance of a greater force.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of theguidance relates to a texture that is communicative of a differencebetween the force input and a force of the second input.

One or more example embodiments further perform receiving an indicationof force associated with, at least part of, the second input, anddetermining the textural representation of guidance based, at least inpart, on a difference between a force of the second input and the forceinput.

One or more example embodiments further perform receiving an indicationthat a force of, at least part of, the second input becomes less thanthe force input, and reducing textural depth of the texturalrepresentation of the guidance based, at least in part, on the force ofthe second input and the force input.

One or more example embodiments further perform receiving an indicationthat a force of, at least part of, the second input becomes greater thanthe second part, and increasing textural depth of the texturalrepresentation of the guidance based, at least in part, on the force ofthe second input and the force input.

In at least one example embodiment, the first input and second inputrelate to a touch input.

In at least one example embodiment, the information item is anotification, and the content is notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, the first input relates to aninitiation part of an input.

In at least one example embodiment, the invocation input is indicativeof a cognitive load associated with the content.

In at least one example embodiment, the variable texture surface isphysically decoupled from a display upon which a visual representationof the notification is displayed.

In at least one example embodiment, the display is a see throughdisplay.

In at least one example embodiment, the see through display is a neareye display.

One or more embodiments may provide an apparatus, a computer readablemedium, a computer readable medium, a non-transitory computer readablemedium, a computer program product, and a method for determining toprovide a notification to a user, the notification being associated withnotification content, determining a cognitive load associated with thenotification content, determining a notification representationassociated with the notification such that the notificationrepresentation is indicative of the cognitive load.

One or more embodiments may provide an apparatus, a computer readablemedium, a computer readable medium, a computer program product, and anon-transitory computer readable medium having means for determining toprovide a notification to a user, the notification being associated withnotification content, means for determining a cognitive load associatedwith the notification content, means for determining a notificationrepresentation associated with the notification such that thenotification representation is indicative of the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, an opacity of the notificationrepresentation is indicative of the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the opacity is inverselyproportional to the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, a brightness of the notificationrepresentation is indicative of the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the brightness is directlyproportional to the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, a size of the notificationrepresentation is indicative of the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the size is directly proportional tothe cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, a movement of the notificationrepresentation is indicative of the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, a speed of the movement isindicative of the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the speed is inversely proportionalto the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the movement relates to a movementpattern.

In at least one example embodiment, the movement pattern is indicativeof a weight being carried.

In at least one example embodiment, the weight is directly proportionalto the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the movement pattern is indicativeof the weight being carried by a flying entity.

In at least one example embodiment, a shape of the notificationrepresentation is indicative of the flying entity.

One or more example embodiments further perform causing display of thenotification representation on a display.

In at least one example embodiment, the display relates to a see throughdisplay, and cognitive load is based, at least in part, on obscurance ofdisplay area associated with the see through display.

In at least one example embodiment, the see through display is a neareye display.

In at least one example embodiment, a texture associated with thenotification representation is indicative of the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, determining to provide anotification comprises receiving an indication of content, anddetermining to provide a notification to the user that signifies thecontent.

In at least one example embodiment, the cognitive load is a value thatreflects an amount of cognitive work associated with the userunderstanding the notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, a low cognitive load is indicativeof notification content that is easier for the user to understand thannotification content indicated by a high cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, cognitive load is indicative ofvisual distraction associated with visual representation of thenotification content.

In at least one example embodiment, a low cognitive load is indicativeof notification content that is less visually distracting thannotification content indicated by a high cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the cognitive load is based, atleast in part, on amount of notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, the cognitive load is based, atleast in part on a content classification associated with thenotification content.

In at least one example embodiment, the content classification relatesto a content perception classification.

In at least one example embodiment, the content perceptionclassification relates to at least one of: text content, audio content,image content, or video content.

In at least one example embodiment, the content classification relatesto a content delivery classification.

In at least one example embodiment, the content delivery classificationrelates to at least one of: a message, a phone call, or a broadcast.

One or more example embodiments further perform determining a senderassociated with the notification, wherein the cognitive load is based,at least in part on the sender.

One or more example embodiments further perform determining arelationship between the user and the sender, wherein the cognitive loadis based, at least in part on the relationship.

In at least one example embodiment, the relationship is indicative of asocial distance between the user and the sender, and wherein thecognitive load is based, at least in part on the social distance.

One or more embodiments may provide an apparatus, a computer readablemedium, a computer readable medium, a non-transitory computer readablemedium, a computer program product, and a method for determining toprovide a notification to a user, the notification being associated withnotification content, determining a cognitive load associated with thenotification content, and determining an invocation input associatedwith the notification based, at least in part on the cognitive load.

One or more embodiments may provide an apparatus, a computer readablemedium, a computer readable medium, a computer program product, and anon-transitory computer readable medium having means for determining toprovide a notification to a user, the notification being associated withnotification content, means for determining a cognitive load associatedwith the notification content, and means for determining an invocationinput associated with the notification based, at least in part on thecognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, a complexity of the invocation inputis directly proportional to the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the complexity of the invocationinput relates to a number of parts comprised by the invocation input.

In at least one example embodiment, the complexity of the invocationinput relates to a diversity of parts comprised by the invocation input.

In at least one example embodiment, the diversity of parts relates to anumber of different input classifications comprised by the invocationinput.

In at least one example embodiment, duration of one or more parts of theinvocation input is directly proportional to the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the invocation input comprises amovement part.

In at least one example embodiment, the movement part is associated witha distance that is directly proportional to the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the movement part corresponds with,at least part of, a movement of the notification representation.

In at least one example embodiment, the movement part comprises aplurality of movement parts to be performed in a designated sequence.

In at least one example embodiment, a number of movement parts comprisedby the invocation input is directly proportional to the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the invocation input is associatedwith a cognitive burden to the user, the cognitive burden beingproportional to the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the cognitive burden relates to anattentiveness level.

In at least one example embodiment, attentiveness level relates to athreshold value indicative of a user's cognitive ability to perceivenotification content indicated by the cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the invocation input comprises, atleast, an initiation part and a termination part.

In at least one example embodiment, determining the invocation inputcomprises determining that the cognitive load is in a cognitive loadrange associated with a predetermined invocation input.

One or more example embodiments further perform receiving an indicationof an input associated with the notification, and causing display of, atleast part of, the notification content based, at least in part, ondetermination that the input corresponds with the invocation input.

In at least one example embodiment, causing display of the notificationcontent relates to a see through display.

In at least one example embodiment, the see through display is a neareye display.

In at least one example embodiment, determining to provide anotification comprises receiving an indication of content, anddetermining to provide a notification to the user that signifies thecontent.

In at least one example embodiment, the cognitive load is a value thatreflects an amount of cognitive work associated with the userunderstanding the notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, a low cognitive load is indicativeof notification content that is easier for the user to understand thannotification content indicated by a high cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the cognitive load is indicative ofvisual distraction associated with visual representation of thenotification content.

In at least one example embodiment, a low cognitive load is indicativeof notification content that is less visually distracting thannotification content indicated by a high cognitive load.

In at least one example embodiment, the cognitive load is based, atleast in part, on amount of notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, the cognitive load is based, atleast in part on a content classification associated with thenotification content.

In at least one example embodiment, the content classification relatesto a content perception classification.

In at least one example embodiment, the content perceptionclassification relates to at least one of: text content, audio content,image content, or video content.

In at least one example embodiment, the content classification relatesto a content delivery classification.

In at least one example embodiment, the content delivery classificationrelates to at least one of: a message, a phone call, or a broadcast.

One or more example embodiments further perform determining a senderassociated with the notification, wherein the cognitive load is based,at least in part on the sender.

One or more example embodiments further perform determining arelationship between the user and the sender, wherein the cognitive loadis based, at least in part on the relationship.

In at least one example embodiment, the relationship is indicative of asocial distance between the user and the sender, and wherein thecognitive load is based, at least in part on the social distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of embodiments of the invention,reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an apparatus, such as an electronicapparatus 10, according to an example embodiment;

FIGS. 2A-2B are diagrams illustrating see through displays according toat least one example embodiment;

FIGS. 3A-3D are diagrams illustrating variable texture surfacesaccording to at least one example embodiment;

FIGS. 4A-4E are diagrams illustrating touch inputs according to at leastone example embodiment;

FIGS. 5A-5B are diagrams illustrating variable texture surfaces inrelation to sensors according to at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an information item associated withcontent according to at least one example embodiment;

FIGS. 7A-7E are diagrams illustrating notifications indicative ofcognitive load of notification content according to at least one exampleembodiment;

FIGS. 8A-8C are diagrams illustrating display of notification contentaccording to at least one example embodiment;

FIGS. 9A-9B are diagrams illustrating invocation inputs according to atleast one example embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an invocation input in relation to acognitive load range according to at least one example embodiment;

FIGS. 11A-11C are diagrams illustrating selection points according to atleast one example embodiment;

FIGS. 12A-12C are diagrams illustrating textural representationsaccording to at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated withcausing display of notification content according to at least oneexample embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated withcausing display of notification content according to at least oneexample embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated withcausing display of notification content according to at least oneexample embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated withcausing display of notification content according to at least oneexample embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated withcausing display of notification content according to at least oneexample embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a notification according to at least oneexample embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a notification according to at least oneexample embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a notification according to at least oneexample embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a notification according to at least oneexample embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a notification according to at least oneexample embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a guidance according to at least one exampleembodiment;

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a guidance according to at least one exampleembodiment;

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a guidance according to at least one exampleembodiment;

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a guidance according to at least one exampleembodiment;

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with anotification representation indicative of a cognitive load according toat least one example embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with anotification representation indicative of a cognitive load according toat least one example embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with aninvocation input associated with a cognitive load according to at leastone example embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with aninvocation input associated with a cognitive load according to at leastone example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention and its potential advantages areunderstood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 30 of the drawings.

Some embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all,embodiments are shown. Various embodiments of the invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information,” and similarterms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of beingtransmitted, received and/or stored in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention. Thus, use of any such terms should not be takento limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention.

Additionally, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to (a)hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analogcircuitry and/or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuits andcomputer program product(s) comprising software and/or firmwareinstructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that worktogether to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functionsdescribed herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, amicroprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requiresoftware or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware isnot physically present. This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to alluses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example,as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ also includes an implementationcomprising one or more processors and/or portion(s) thereof andaccompanying software and/or firmware. As another example, the term‘circuitry’ as used herein also includes, for example, a basebandintegrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for amobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellularnetwork apparatus, other network apparatus, and/or other computingapparatus.

As defined herein, a “non-transitory computer-readable medium,” whichrefers to a physical medium (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memorydevice), can be differentiated from a “transitory computer-readablemedium,” which refers to an electromagnetic signal.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an apparatus, such as an electronicapparatus 10, according to at least one example embodiment. It should beunderstood, however, that an electronic apparatus as illustrated andhereinafter described is merely illustrative of an electronic apparatusthat could benefit from embodiments of the invention and, therefore,should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention. Whileelectronic apparatus 10 is illustrated and will be hereinafter describedfor purposes of example, other types of electronic apparatuses mayreadily employ embodiments of the invention. Electronic apparatus 10 maybe a portable digital assistant (PDAs), a pager, a mobile computer, adesktop computer, a television, a gaming apparatus, a laptop computer, amedia player, a camera, a video recorder, a mobile phone, a globalpositioning system (GPS) apparatus, and/or any other types of electronicsystems. Moreover, the apparatus of at least one example embodiment neednot be the entire electronic apparatus, but may be a component or groupof components of the electronic apparatus in other example embodiments.

Furthermore, apparatuses may readily employ embodiments of the inventionregardless of their intent to provide mobility. In this regard, eventhough embodiments of the invention may be described in conjunction withmobile applications, it should be understood that embodiments of theinvention may be utilized in conjunction with a variety of otherapplications, both in the mobile communications industries and outsideof the mobile communications industries.

In at least one example embodiment, electronic apparatus 10 comprisesprocessor 11 and memory 12. Processor 11 may be any type of processor,controller, embedded controller, processor core, and/or the like. In atleast one example embodiment, processor 11 utilizes computer programcode to cause an apparatus to perform one or more actions. Memory 12 maycomprise volatile memory, such as volatile Random Access Memory (RAM)including a cache area for the temporary storage of data and/or othermemory, for example, non-volatile memory, which may be embedded and/ormay be removable. The non-volatile memory may comprise an EEPROM, flashmemory and/or the like. Memory 12 may store any of a number of pieces ofinformation, and data. The information and data may be used by theelectronic apparatus 10 to implement one or more functions of theelectronic apparatus 10, such as the functions described herein. In atleast one example embodiment, memory 12 includes computer program codesuch that the memory and the computer program code are configured to,working with the processor, cause the apparatus to perform one or moreactions described herein.

The electronic apparatus 10 may further comprise a communication device15. In at least one example embodiment, communication device 15comprises an antenna, (or multiple antennae), a wired connector, and/orthe like in operable communication with a transmitter and/or a receiver.In at least one example embodiment, processor 11 provides signals to atransmitter and/or receives signals from a receiver. The signals maycomprise signaling information in accordance with a communicationsinterface standard, user speech, received data, user generated data,and/or the like. Communication device 15 may operate with one or moreair interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, andaccess types. By way of illustration, the electronic communicationdevice 15 may operate in accordance with second-generation (2G) wirelesscommunication protocols IS-136 (time division multiple access (TDMA)),Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), and IS-95 (code divisionmultiple access (CDMA)), with third-generation (3G) wirelesscommunication protocols, such as Universal Mobile TelecommunicationsSystem (UMTS), CDMA2000, wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and timedivision-synchronous CDMA (TD-SCDMA), and/or with fourth-generation (4G)wireless communication protocols, wireless networking protocols, such as802.11, short-range wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth, and/or thelike. Communication device 15 may operate in accordance with wirelineprotocols, such as Ethernet, digital subscriber line (DSL), asynchronoustransfer mode (ATM), and/or the like.

Processor 11 may comprise means, such as circuitry, for implementingaudio, video, communication, navigation, logic functions, and/or thelike, as well as for implementing embodiments of the inventionincluding, for example, one or more of the functions described herein.For example, processor 11 may comprise means, such as a digital signalprocessor device, a microprocessor device, various analog to digitalconverters, digital to analog converters, processing circuitry and othersupport circuits, for performing various functions including, forexample, one or more of the functions described herein. The apparatusmay perform control and signal processing functions of the electronicapparatus 10 among these devices according to their respectivecapabilities. The processor 11 thus may comprise the functionality toencode and interleave message and data prior to modulation andtransmission. The processor 1 may additionally comprise an internalvoice coder, and may comprise an internal data modem. Further, theprocessor 11 may comprise functionality to operate one or more softwareprograms, which may be stored in memory and which may, among otherthings, cause the processor 11 to implement at least one embodimentincluding, for example, one or more of the functions described herein.For example, the processor 11 may operate a connectivity program, suchas a conventional internet browser. The connectivity program may allowthe electronic apparatus 10 to transmit and receive internet content,such as location-based content and/or other web page content, accordingto a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Internet Protocol (IP), UserDatagram Protocol (UDP), Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), PostOffice Protocol (POP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), WirelessApplication Protocol (WAP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and/orthe like, for example.

The electronic apparatus 10 may comprise a user interface for providingoutput and/or receiving input. The electronic apparatus 10 may comprisean output device 14. Output device 14 may comprise an audio outputdevice, such as a ringer, an earphone, a speaker, and/or the like.Output device 14 may comprise a tactile output device, such as avibration transducer, an electronically deformable surface, anelectronically deformable structure, and/or the like. Output Device 14may comprise a visual output device, such as a display, a light, and/orthe like. The electronic apparatus may comprise an input device 13.Input device 13 may comprise a light sensor, a proximity sensor, amicrophone, a touch sensor, a force sensor, a button, a keypad, a motionsensor, a magnetic field sensor, a camera, and/or the like. A touchsensor and a display may be characterized as a touch display. In anembodiment comprising a touch display, the touch display may beconfigured to receive input from a single point of contact, multiplepoints of contact, and/or the like. In such an embodiment, the touchdisplay and/or the processor may determine input based, at least inpart, on position, motion, speed, contact area, and/or the like.

The electronic apparatus 10 may include any of a variety of touchdisplays including those that are configured to enable touch recognitionby any of resistive, capacitive, infrared, strain gauge, surface wave,optical imaging, dispersive signal technology, acoustic pulserecognition or other techniques, and to then provide signals indicativeof the location and other parameters associated with the touch.Additionally, the touch display may be configured to receive anindication of an input in the form of a touch event which may be definedas an actual physical contact between a selection object (e.g., afinger, stylus, pen, pencil, or other pointing device) and the touchdisplay. Alternatively, a touch event may be defined as bringing theselection object in proximity to the touch display, hovering over adisplayed object or approaching an object within a predefined distance,even though physical contact is not made with the touch display. Assuch, a touch input may comprise any input that is detected by a touchdisplay including touch events that involve actual physical contact andtouch events that do not involve physical contact but that are otherwisedetected by the touch display, such as a result of the proximity of theselection object to the touch display. A touch display may be capable ofreceiving information associated with force applied to the touch screenin relation to the touch input. For example, the touch screen maydifferentiate between a heavy press touch input and a light press touchinput. In at least one example embodiment, a display may displaytwo-dimensional information, three-dimensional information and/or thelike.

In embodiments including a keypad, the keypad may comprise numeric (forexample, 0-9) keys, symbol keys (for example, #, *), alphabetic keys,and/or the like for operating the electronic apparatus 10. For example,the keypad may comprise a conventional QWERTY keypad arrangement. Thekeypad may also comprise various soft keys with associated functions. Inaddition, or alternatively, the electronic apparatus 10 may comprise aninterface device such as a joystick or other user input interface.

Input device 13 may comprise a media capturing element. The mediacapturing element may be any means for capturing an image, video and/oraudio for storage, display or transmission. For example, in at least oneexample embodiment in which the media capturing element is a cameramodule, the camera module may comprise a digital camera which may form adigital image file from a captured image. As such, the camera module maycomprise hardware, such as a lens or other optical component(s), and/orsoftware necessary for creating a digital image file from a capturedimage. Alternatively, the camera module may comprise only the hardwarefor viewing an image, while a memory device of the electronic apparatus10 stores instructions for execution by the processor 11 in the form ofsoftware for creating a digital image file from a captured image. In atleast one example embodiment, the camera module may further comprise aprocessing element such as a co-processor that assists the processor 11in processing image data and an encoder and/or decoder for compressingand/or decompressing image data. The encoder and/or decoder may encodeand/or decode according to a standard format, for example, a JointPhotographic Experts Group (JPEG) standard format.

FIGS. 2A-2B are diagrams illustrating see through displays according toat least one example embodiment. The examples of FIGS. 2A-2B are merelyexamples of see through displays, and do not limit the scope of theclaims. For example, configuration of the see through display may vary,relationship between the user and the see through display may vary,shape of the see through display may vary, opacity of the see throughdisplay may vary, and/or the like.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable for a display to be a seethrough display. In at least one example embodiment, a see throughdisplay relates to a display that presents information to a user, butthrough which objects on an opposite side of the display from the usermay be seen. A see through display may be comprised by a window, awindshield, a visor, glasses, and/or the like.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating see through display 202 according toat least one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment,displaying information on a see through display so that the informationcorresponds with one or more objects viewable through the see throughdisplay is referred to as augmented reality. In the example of FIG. 2A,user 201 may perceive objects 205 and 206 through see through display202. In at least one example embodiment, the see through display maydisplay information to the user. For example, display 202 may displayinformation 203 and information 204. Information 203 and information 204may be positioned on display 202 such that the information correspondswith one or more objects viewable through see through display 202, suchas object 205. In such an example, information 203 may relate to object205. For example, information 203 may indicate an identity of object205.

In some circumstances, information displayed on a see through displaymay obscure one or more objects from the user when perceived through thesee through display. In at least one example embodiment, obscurancerelates to causation of obscuring. For example, display of information203 on display 202 may cause obscurance of the display area of display202 associated with information 203. In this manner, information 203 maybe associated with obscurance of a display area associated with the seethrough display.

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a see through display according to atleast one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, a seethrough display is a near eye display. A near eye display may relate toa see through display that is positioned proximate to an eye of theuser. The example of FIG. 2B illustrates glasses that comprise a neareye display in each lens. In the example of FIG. 2B, the right near eyedisplay is displaying information 213A and 214A, and the left near eyedisplay is displaying information 213B and 214B. In at least one exampleembodiment, information 213A may be related to information 213B. Forexample, the content of information 213A may be identical to content ofinformation 213B. In some circumstances, even though the content may beidentical between 213A and 213B, position of information 213A on theright near eye display may vary from position of information 213B on theleft near eye display. In this manner, the apparatus may vary positionof information between the left near eye display and right near eyedisplay to vary the parallax of the information perceived by the user.In this manner, the apparatus may vary the perceived depth of theinformation by the user.

FIGS. 3A-3D are diagrams illustrating variable texture surfacesaccording to at least one example embodiment. The examples of FIGS.3A-3D are merely examples of variable texture surfaces, and do not limitthe scope of the claims. For example, physical design may vary,electrical characteristics may vary, excitation of the user's senses mayvary, and/or the like.

As user interfaces become more comprehensive, the senses that a userutilizes when interacting with an apparatus have grown. In at least oneexample embodiment, the apparatus provides a textural representation ofinformation to the user. In at least one example embodiment, a texturalrepresentation of information relates to a texture that is indicative ofthe information being represented. For example, a texturalrepresentation of a surface of glass may relate to a smooth texture anda textural representation of a surface of a rock may be rough. In atleast one example embodiment, an apparatus conveys the texturalrepresentation by way of a variable texture surface. In at least oneexample embodiment, the apparatus enables user perception of thetextural representation by causing rendering of the texturalrepresentation on the variable texture surface. The apparatus may causerendering by actuating the variable texture surface in as governed bythe textural representation, may cause rendering by sending the texturalrepresentation to another apparatus that performs the rendering, and/orthe like.

In at least one example embodiment, a variable texture surface relatesto an output device that is configured to convey a controllably varyingtexture to a user. A variable texture surface may convey texture to auser by way of varying pressure, vibration, electric field, temperature,and/or the like. For example, a variable texture surface may relate tosurfaces that undergo a mechanical action to provide the user withexperience of the texture. In another example, a variable texturesurface may relate to activation of the nerves of the user by way ofvarying an electric field. In still another example, a variable texturesurface may relate to a vibro-tactile simulation that mimics a texture.In at least one example embodiment, an apparatus combines more than onevariable texture surface. For example, the apparatus may use both anelectric field and temperature. In such an example, the apparatus mayuse temperature to vary the perception of texture of the user beyond thetextures available to electric field alone. In this manner, combinationof different types of variable texture surfaces in conjunction with eachother may allow for a wider variety of available texturalrepresentations for conveying information to the user.

In at least one example embodiment, a textural representation isindicative of a textural resistance. In at least one example embodiment,textural resistance relates to a textural property that causes the userto perceive a resistance to movement along a variable texture surface.For example, textural resistance may relate to a representation offriction associated with the textural representation. For example, ahigh level of textural resistance may relate to a user perceiving a highlevel of friction.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a variable texture surface accordingto at least one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3A, thevariable texture surface renders the textural representation by way ofcontrolling an array of pins 301 that are arranged on the variabletexture surface such that, when sensed by the user, for example by wayof finger 302, the user may perceive the textural representation. In atleast one example embodiment, the apparatus causes rendering of thetextural representation by determining whether to actuate one or morepins 301, to what magnitude to actuate one or more pins 301, and or thelike. In at least one example embodiment, the actuation of the pin 301may be indicative of a textural representation. For example, movement orvibration of the pin 301 may be used to convey different aspectsrelating to a textural representation, such as movement beneath thetouch of the user. The apparatus may actuate pins 301 by way of apiezoelectric device, an electrically controlled pneumatic valve, anelectromagnetic force, and/or the like.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a variable texture surface accordingto at least one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3B, thevariable texture surface renders the textural representation by way ofelectro-tactile stimulus of nerve fibers within the skin of the user. Inthis manner, the variable texture surface of FIG. 3B may render atextural representation independent of mechanical actuation. Thevariable texture surface of FIG. 3B comprises electrodes 315 arranged on312. The apparatus may provide signals, such as anodic and cathodicpulses, to electrodes 315 to stimulate cells in the skin of the user sothat the user experiences the textural representation.

FIGS. 3C and 3D are diagrams illustrating variable texture surfacesaccording to at least one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3C,the variable texture surface renders the textural representation by wayof rheological fluid manipulation. In at least one example embodiment,the rheological fluid relates to a magnetorheological fluid, anelectrorheological fluid, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, a magnetorheological fluid relatesto a fluid having a viscosity that may be varied by varying anelectromagnetic field to which the magnetorheological fluid is exposed.In at least one example embodiment, a magnetorheological fluid relatesto a suspension of micron sized ferromagnetic particles dispersed in anon-ferromagnetic fluid. The viscosity of the magnetorheological fluidmay be increased in direct proportion to a magnetic field.

In at least one example embodiment, an electrorheological fluid relatesto a fluid having a viscosity that may be varied by varying an electricfield to which the electrorheological fluid is exposed. In at least oneexample embodiment, an electrorheological fluid relates to a suspensionof dielectric solids or polymeric particles in an insulating base oil.The viscosity of the electrorheological fluid may be increased in directproportion to an electric field.

In the example of FIG. 3C, the variable texture surface relates to asurface for which compressibility may be varied. In the example of FIG.3C, rheological fluid 321 is enclosed by conductive membrane 323 andlimiting mesh 324. It may be desirable for conductive membrane 323 to beconductive so that electromagnetic fields may be suppressed beyond thevariable texture surface. The limiting mesh may contain the rheologicalfluid, while allowing electromagnetic field to pass through. Thevariable texture surface of FIG. 3C comprises an excitation array 322.Excitation array 322 may relate to an array of elements that may producean electric field through the rheological fluid, a magnetic fieldthrough the rheological fluid, and/or the like. The apparatus may varythe signal from an element in the excitation array so thatcompressibility of the surface above the element may vary in accordancewith the signal.

In the example of FIG. 3D, the variable texture surface relates to asurface for which depth of the surface may be varied. The variabletexture surface of FIG. 3D relates to an array of valve electrodes 331which control viscosity of an electrorheological fluid between theelectrodes. In the example of FIG. 3D, elastomeric membrane 333 isconfigured to provide and array of chambers that correspond with thearray of valve electrodes 331. In this manner, depth and/or viscosity ofthe chamber may be varied in proportion to a signal provided to a valveelectrode.

FIGS. 4A-4E are diagrams illustrating touch inputs according to at leastone example embodiment. The examples of FIGS. 4A-4E are merely examplesof touch inputs, and do not limit the scope of the claims. For example,number of inputs may vary, relationship between inputs may vary,orientation of inputs may vary, and/or the like.

In FIGS. 4A-4E, a circle represents an input related to contact with atouch display, two crossed lines represent an input related to releasinga contact from a touch display, and a line represents input related tomovement on a touch display. Although the examples of FIGS. 4A-4Eindicate continuous contact with a touch display, there may be a part ofthe input that fails to make direct contact with the touch display.Under such circumstances, the apparatus may, nonetheless, determine thatthe input is a continuous stroke input. For example, the apparatus mayutilize proximity information, for example information relating tonearness of an input implement to the touch display, to determine partof a touch input.

In the example of FIG. 4A, input 400 relates to receiving contact input402 and receiving a release input 404. In this example, contact input402 and release input 404 occur at the same position. In an exampleembodiment, an apparatus utilizes the time between receiving contactinput 402 and release input 404. For example, the apparatus mayinterpret input 400 as a tap for a short time between contact input 402and release input 404, as a press for a longer time between contactinput 402 and release input 404, and/or the like.

In the example of FIG. 4B, input 420 relates to receiving contact input422, a movement input 424, and a release input 426. Input 420 relates toa continuous stroke input. In this example, contact input 422 andrelease input 426 occur at different positions. Input 420 may relate todragging an object from one position to another, to moving a scroll bar,to panning a virtual screen, to drawing a shape, and/or the like. In anexample embodiment, an apparatus interprets input 420 based at least inpart on the speed of movement 424. For example, if input 420 relates topanning a virtual screen, the panning motion may be small for a slowmovement, large for a fast movement, and/or the like. In another exampleembodiment, an apparatus interprets input 420 based at least in part onthe distance between contact input 422 and release input 426. Forexample, if input 420 relates to a scaling operation, such as resizing abox, the scaling may relate to the distance between contact input 422and release input 426. An apparatus may interpret the input beforereceiving release input 426. For example, the apparatus may evaluate achange in the input, such as speed, position, and/or the like. In suchan example, the apparatus may perform one or more determinations basedupon the change in the touch input. In such an example, the apparatusmay modify a text selection point based at least in part on the changein the touch input.

In the example of FIG. 4C, input 440 relates to receiving contact input442, a movement input 444, and a release input 446 as shown. Input 440relates to a continuous stroke input. In this example, contact input 442and release input 446 occur at different positions. Input 440 may relateto dragging an object from one position to another, to moving a scrollbar, to panning a virtual screen, to drawing a shape, and/or the like.In an example embodiment, an apparatus interprets input 440 based atleast in part on the speed of movement 444. For example, if input 440relates to panning a virtual screen, the panning motion may be small fora slow movement, large for a fast movement, and/or the like. In anotherexample embodiment, an apparatus interprets input 440 based at least inpart on the distance between contact input 442 and release input 446.For example, if input 440 relates to a scaling operation, such asresizing a box, the scaling may relate to the distance between contactinput 442 and release input 446. In still another example embodiment,the apparatus interprets the position of the release input. In such anexample, the apparatus may modify a text selection point based at leastin part on the change in the touch input.

In the example of FIG. 4D, input 460 relates to receiving contact input462, and a movement input 464, where contact is released duringmovement. Input 460 relates to a continuous stroke input. Input 460 mayrelate to dragging an object from one position to another, to moving ascroll bar, to panning a virtual screen, to drawing a shape, and/or thelike. In an example embodiment, an apparatus interprets input 460 basedat least in part on the speed of movement 464. For example, if input 460relates to panning a virtual screen, the panning motion may be small fora slow movement, large for a fast movement, and/or the like. In anotherexample embodiment, an apparatus interprets input 460 based at least inpart on the distance associated with the movement input 464. Forexample, if input 460 relates to a scaling operation, such as resizing abox, the scaling may relate to the distance of the movement input 464from the contact input 462 to the release of contact during movement.

In an example embodiment, an apparatus may receive multiple touch inputsat coinciding times. For example, there may be a tap input at a positionand a different tap input at a different location during the same time.In another example there may be a tap input at a position and a draginput at a different position. An apparatus may interpret the multipletouch inputs separately, together, and/or a combination thereof. Forexample, an apparatus may interpret the multiple touch inputs inrelation to each other, such as the distance between them, the speed ofmovement with respect to each other, and/or the like.

In the example of FIG. 4E, input 480 relates to receiving contact inputs482 and 488, movement inputs 484 and 490, and release inputs 486 and492. Input 420 relates to two continuous stroke inputs. In this example,contact input 482 and 488, and release input 486 and 492 occur atdifferent positions. Input 480 may be characterized as a multiple touchinput. Input 480 may relate to dragging an object from one position toanother, to moving a scroll bar, to panning a virtual screen, to drawinga shape, to indicating one or more user selected text positions and/orthe like. In an example embodiment, an apparatus interprets input 480based at least in part on the speed of movements 484 and 490. Forexample, if input 480 relates to zooming a virtual screen, the zoomingmotion may be small for a slow movement, large for a fast movement,and/or the like. In another example embodiment, an apparatus interpretsinput 480 based at least in part on the distance between contact inputs482 and 488 and release inputs 486 and 492. For example, if input 480relates to a scaling operation, such as resizing a box, the scaling mayrelate to the collective distance between contact inputs 482 and 488 andrelease inputs 486 and 492.

In an example embodiment, the timing associated with the apparatusreceiving contact inputs 482 and 488, movement inputs 484 and 490, andrelease inputs 486 and 492 varies. For example, the apparatus mayreceive contact input 482 before contact input 488, after contact input488, concurrent to contact input 488, and/or the like. The apparatus mayor may not utilize the related timing associated with the receiving ofthe inputs. For example, the apparatus may utilize an input receivedfirst by associating the input with a preferential status, such as aprimary selection point, a starting position, and/or the like. Inanother example, the apparatus may utilize non-concurrent inputs as ifthe apparatus received the inputs concurrently. In such an example, theapparatus may utilize a release input received first the same way thatthe apparatus would utilize the same input if the apparatus had receivedthe input second.

Even though an aspect related to two touch inputs may differ, such asthe direction of movement, the speed of movement, the position ofcontact input, the position of release input, and/or the like, the touchinputs may be similar. For example, a first touch input comprising acontact input, a movement input, and a release input, may be similar toa second touch input comprising a contact input, a movement input, and arelease input, even though they may differ in the position of thecontact input, and the position of the release input.

FIGS. 5A-5B are diagrams illustrating variable texture surfaces inrelation to sensors according to at least one example embodiment. Theexamples of FIGS. 5A-5B are merely examples of variable texture surfacesin relation to sensors, and do not limit the scope of the claims. Forexample, type of one or more sensors may vary, arrangement of one ormore sensors may vary, interrelation between one or more sensors mayvary, and/or the like.

It may be desirable to provide one or more sensors that correspond witha variable texture surface. For example, it may be desirable to providea touch sensor, a force sensor, a proximity sensor, and or the like, inrelation to a variable texture surface. For example, it may be desirableto provide a variable texture surface that positionally corresponds witha touch sensor. In such an example, a user may provide a touch input,such as any of the touch inputs of FIGS. 4A-4E while perceiving texturalrepresentation on the variable texture surface.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a variable texture surface in relationto sensors according to at least one example embodiment. The example ofFIG. 5A illustrates variable texture surface in relation to touch sensor502 and force sensor 501. In at least one example embodiment, anapparatus may receive input information from touch sensor 502 and/orforce sensor 501. The apparatus may cause rendering of one or moretextural representations on variable texture surface 503. In thismanner, variable texture surface 503 corresponds with touch sensor 502and force sensor 501. For example, a position on touch sensor 502 maycorrespond with a complementary position on variable texture surface503. In at least one example embodiment, a variable texture surfacebeing configured to positionally correspond with a sensor may bereferred to as the sensor and the variable texture surface beingphysically coupled.

In at least one example embodiment, the variable texture surface may bephysically coupled with a display. For example, there may a displayconfigured to be between touch sensor 502 and force sensor 501. In thismanner, the apparatus may provide visual representations thatpositionally correspond with visual representation of information on thedisplay.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable for the variable texturesurface to be physically decoupled from a display. For example, thedisplay may be a see through display, such as a near eye display. Insuch an example, it may be undesirable for the user to be feeling asurface that positionally corresponds with the display. For example, auser feeling a textural representation on the surface of a near eyedisplay may occlude objects from view. In some circumstances, it may beunsafe for a user to rely on textural representations on the surface ofa near eye display.

In at least one example embodiment, a variable texture surface isphysically decoupled from a display. For example, there may be a displayand a variable texture surface that are physically separate from eachother. For example, the display may be part of a separate apparatus fromthe apparatus comprising the variable texture surface.

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a variable texture surface in relationto sensors according to at least one example embodiment. In the exampleof FIG. 5B, pad 542 comprises a touch sensor and a variable texturesurface, which is mounted on housing 541. In the example of FIG. 5B,housing 541 is configured to be worn on a hand 544 of a user such thumb543 of hand 544 may perform touch inputs and receive texturalrepresentations from pad 542.

In at least one example embodiment, pad 542 may be used in conjunctionwith a see through display, such as a near eye display. Without limitingthe scope of the claims in any way, at least one technical effectassociated with pad 542 being physically decoupled from a display may beto allow utilization of pad 542 without obstructing the display, withoutobstructing objects viewable through the display, and/or the like.

Even though the example of FIG. 5B illustrates a variable texturesurface in relation to sensors on a housing that is configured to beworn on the finger of a user, other configurations may be desirable. Forexample, the variable texture surface in relation to sensors may beconfigured to be comprised by a housing of a near eye display. In suchan example, the variable texture surface in relation to sensors may beconfigured to be on the stem of glasses that comprise a near eyedisplay. In another example, the variable texture surface in relation tosensors may be configured to be worn on a wrist of a user, such as on abracelet housing, a watch housing, and/or the like. The housing to whichthe variable texture surface in relation to sensors is mounted mayrelate to any apparatus, such as headphones, a mobile phone, a tablet, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop, a touchpad, a mouse, a ring,and/or the like.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an information item associated withcontent according to at least one example embodiment. The example ofFIG. 6 is merely an example of an information item associated withcontent, and does not limit the scope of the claims. For example, typeof content may vary, type of information item may vary, relationshipbetween the information item and the content may vary, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, an apparatus provides an informationitem associated with content. The information item may relate to avisual identifier that signifies the associated content. For example theinformation item may relate to an icon, a word, and/or the like, thatidentifies the content. The content may be information that may beinvoked by way of the information item. For example, the informationitem may indicate a song, and the content may be information thatcomprises the song.

In the example of FIG. 6, information item 601 relates to content 602.Even though information item 601 relates to an image of a butterfly,representation of information item 601 may vary. Furthermore, eventhough content 602 relates to text, content 602 may be any content, suchas audio content, video content, image content, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, an apparatus may provide aninformation item that is a notification. In at least one exampleembodiment, a notification relates to an information item that signifiesan event. For example an event may relate to receiving a message,receiving information, elapse of an amount of time, and/or the like. Forexample, an event may relate to a time occurring that is associated witha meeting in a calendar. In another example, a notification may relateto the apparatus receiving an email. In at least one example embodiment,a notification provides signal to the user that an action has occurred.In at least one example embodiment, the notification may be associatedwith content. For example, the event signified by the notification mayrelate to content. In at least one example embodiment, contentassociated with a notification is referred to as notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, information item 601 is anotification, and content 602 is notification content. In at least oneexample embodiment, an apparatus may determine to provide a notificationto a user. For example, the apparatus may receive an indication ofcontent, such as a message. In such an example, the apparatus maydetermine to provide a notification to the user that signifies thereceived content. In this manner, the received content may become thenotification content associated with the message.

In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus may cause display ofnotification content. For example, the user may perform an invocationinput associated with invocation of the notification content, similar asdescribed regarding FIGS. 9A-9B. Upon receiving the invocation input inassociation with the notification, the apparatus may cause display ofthe notification content. In at least one example embodiment, theapparatus may cause display of a differing amount of the notificationcontent, similar as described regarding FIGS. 8A-8C.

In at least one example embodiment, the content relates to a contentclassification. A content classification may relate to a categorizationof the type of content of the notification content. For example, acontent classification may relate to a content delivery classification,a content perception classification, and/or the like. A contentperception classification may relate to the way in which a userperceives the notification content. In at least one example embodiment,a content perception classification relates to text content, audiocontent, image content, video content, and/or the like. A contentdelivery classification may relate to a manner in which the content wasreceived. In at least one example embodiment, the content deliveryclassification relates a message, a phone call, a broadcast, and/or thelike. A message may relate to an email, an instant message, a textmessage, and/or the like. A broadcast may relate to an information feed,a telecast, a radiocast, and/or the like. In some circumstances,received content may be associated with a sender. For example the sendermay relate to an entity from which the content was received, such as anemail address, a website, a really simple syndication (RSS) feed, and/orthe like.

In some circumstances, causing display of notification content may beintrusive to the user. For example, if the display relates to a seethrough display, causing display of the notification content may obscurea region of the display associated with the display of the notificationcontent. In circumstances where the see through display is a near eyedisplay, such obscurance may raise safety concerns or may be otherwisedesirable for the user to limit. In some circumstances, such as thedisplay being a near eye display, it may be desirable to tailor theamount of display area associated with displayed notification content tolimit obscurance caused by the displayed notification content.

In some circumstances, the user may be too inattentive to adequatelyunderstand the notification content. For example, the user may bewalking, driving, and/or the like. In such circumstances, it may bedesirable to tailor the notification content displayed to the user to beappropriate to the attentiveness of the user. There are many aspects ofthe notification content that may affect the user's ability to perceivethe notification content. In at least one example embodiment, theattentiveness of a user that allows the user to adequately perceivenotification content is referred to as a cognitive load associated withthe notification content. In at least one example embodiment, thecognitive load is a value that reflects an amount of cognitive workassociated with the user understanding the notification content. In atleast one example embodiment, a low cognitive load is indicative ofnotification content that is easier for the user to understand thannotification content indicated by a high cognitive load. For example, auser may be able to adequately perceive notification content associatedwith a low cognitive load when the user has a low attentiveness level.In another example, a user may be unable to adequately perceivenotification content associated with a high cognitive load when the userhas a low attentiveness level. In at least one example embodiment, thecognitive load is indicative of visual distraction associated withvisual representation of the notification content. For example, a lowcognitive load may be indicative of notification content that is lessvisually distracting than notification content indicated by a highcognitive load. For example, a video may be more distracting than animage, text may be more distracting than a video, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, the cognitive load is based, atleast in part, on amount of notification content. For example, a largeamount of notification content may involve more attention from the userto adequately perceive than a small amount of notification content. Inat least one example embodiment, the cognitive load is based, at leastin part, on a content classification associated with the notificationcontent. For example, cognitive load may vary by way of contentperception classification, content delivery classification, and/or thelike. For example, image notification content may be associated with adifferent cognitive load than textual notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, the cognitive load is based, atleast in part on a sender of the notification content. The cognitiveload may be based on identity of the sender, a relationship between theuser and the sender, and/or the like. For example, the cognitive loadassociated with notification content received from a close friend may bedifferent from the cognitive load associated with notification contentfrom a stranger. In such an example, the user may be familiar withcontext between the user and the sender, such that the notificationcontent may be easier for the user to understand based on the context.For example, a message from an unknown business may involve moreattention from the user to understand than a message from the user'sspouse. In at least one example embodiment, the relationship upon whichthe cognitive load is based may be indicative of a social distancebetween the user and the sender. In at least one example embodiment, asocial distance relates to a level of familiarity between the user andthe sender. For example, a user's spouse may be associated with a lessersocial distance than a stranger to the user. In this manner, thecognitive load may be based, at least in part on the social distancebetween the user and the sender. In at least one example embodiment, anapparatus evaluates any or all of these aspects, as well as otheraspects, of notification content to determine the cognitive load of thenotification content.

In at least one example embodiment, an apparatus determines a cognitiveload based, at least in part, on the following formula, where C relatesto cognitive load, S_(ft) relates to a scaling factor associated withtextual content, A_(t) relates to amount of textual content, S_(fv)relates to a scaling factor associated with video content, A_(v) relatesto amount of video content, S_(fa) relates to a scaling factorassociated with audio content, A_(a) relates to amount of audio content,S_(fi) relates to a scaling factor associated with image content, A_(i)relates to amount of image content, S_(fsd) relates to a scaling factorassociated with social distance, and S_(sd) relates to social distancebetween the user and the sender of the notification content.

C=S _(ft) A _(t) +S _(fv) A _(v) +S _(fa) A _(a) +S _(fi) A _(i) +S_(fsd) S _(sd)

In some circumstances, it may be desirable for the cognitive load ofnotification content displayed to a user to comply with theattentiveness level of the user. In at least one example embodiment, thecognitive load of notification content being compliant with theattentiveness level of the user relates to the user being able toadequately understand the notification content without increasing theuser's attentiveness level. Without limiting the scope of the claims inany way, at least one technical effect associated with the cognitiveload of the notification content being compliant with the user'sattentiveness level may be to allow the user to perceive thenotification content without diverting additional attention to thenotification content. In this manner, the apparatus may take measures toalign the attentiveness level of the user with the cognitive load of thenotification content.

FIGS. 7A-7E are diagrams illustrating notifications indicative ofcognitive load of notification content according to at least one exampleembodiment. The examples of FIGS. 7A-7E are merely examples ofnotifications indicative of cognitive load of notification content, anddo not limit the scope of the claims. For example, representation of thenotifications may vary, indication of the notification content may vary,and/or the like.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable for the user to be able toidentify a cognitive load associated with notification content prior tothe user invoking the notification content. For example, a userperforming an activity may desire to invoke notification contentassociated with a low cognitive load, but may desire to defer invocationof notification content associated with a high cognitive threshold untilthe user has completed the activity.

In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus provides anotification representation to the user that is indicative of thecognitive load of the notification content associated with therepresented notification. In at least one example embodiment, thenotification representation is absent any part of the notificationcontent. For example, the notification representation may be indicativeof the cognitive load without divulging notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus determines a cognitiveload associated with notification content and determines a notificationrepresentation associated with the notification such that thenotification representation is indicative of the cognitive load.

It should be understood that a paradigm upon which notificationrepresentation indicates the notification content to the user may vary.Even though the examples of FIGS. 7A-7E may describe an inverseproportionality or a direct proportionality, in some circumstances, itmay be desirable to provide for a paradigm that utilizes an inverserelationship as described. For example, some users may associate abrighter notification representation with a greater cognitive load, andother users may associate a brighter notification representation with alesser cognitive load.

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a notification indicative of cognitiveload of notification content according to at least one exampleembodiment. FIG. 7A illustrates notification representation 703displayed on see through display 701 in relation to objects 702 whichmay be seen through see through display 701. In at least one exampleembodiment, the appearance of the notification representation may beindicative of the cognitive load of the notification content. Forexample, the appearance of the notification representation may relate toa shape associated with something small, simple, or light, to representa low cognitive load, and/or may relate to a shape associated withsomething large, complex, or heavy to represent a high cognitive load.For example, the butterfly of notification representation 703 may beindicative of a low cognitive load. Alternatively, a notificationrepresentation along a similar metaphor may indicate a high cognitiveload by way of an elephant, a whale, and/or the like. In this manner,the shape of the notification representation may be indicative of asize, even though the size between such different representations may besimilar. Consequently, the notification representation may indicate asize difference between different notification representations withoutdiffering the size of the representation. In this manner, the shape of anotification representation may be indicative of the cognitive load ofthe associated notification content.

FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating notifications indicative of cognitiveload of notification content according to at least one exampleembodiment. In at least one example embodiment, an opacity of anotification representation is indicative of a cognitive load of theassociated notification content. For example, opacity of thenotification representation may be inversely proportional to thecognitive load. In such an example, the opacity of a notificationrepresentation may be governed by the equation below, where O representsopacity of the notification representation, O_(max) represents themaximum opacity of the notification representation, C represents thecognitive load, and S_(fo) represents a scaling factor associated withopacity.

O=O _(max) −S _(fo) C

In such an example, a larger cognitive load may be indicated by anotification representation that is less opaque than a notificationrepresentation indicative of a lesser cognitive load. In such anexample, the user may easily and intuitively distinguish thenotification associated with the lower cognitive load from thenotification associated with the higher cognitive load. Therefore, theuser can predict the amount of attention that the notification contentmay involve when the user invokes the notification.

In at least one example embodiment, opacity of the notificationrepresentation is controllable by way of controlling brightness of thenotification representation. For example, in a see through display, abrighter notification representation may be less opaque than a lessbright notification representation. For example, a brighter notificationrepresentation may obscure objects viewed through the see throughdisplay more than a less bright notification representation. In at leastone example embodiment, opacity and brightness are controlledindependently of each other.

In at least one example embodiment, a brightness of a notificationrepresentation is indicative of a cognitive load of the associatednotification content. For example, brightness of the notificationrepresentation may be directly proportional to the cognitive load. Insuch an example, the brightness of a notification representation may begoverned by the equation below, where B represents brightness of thenotification representation, B_(min) represents the minimum brightnessof the notification representation, C represents the cognitive load, andS_(fb) represents a scaling factor associated with brightness.

B=B _(min) +S _(fb) C

In such an example, a larger cognitive load may be indicated by anotification representation that is brighter than a notificationrepresentation indicative of a lesser cognitive load. In such anexample, the user may easily and intuitively distinguish thenotification associated with the lower cognitive load from thenotification associated with the higher cognitive load. Therefore, theuser can predict the amount of attention that the notification contentmay involve when the user invokes the notification.

The example of FIG. 7B illustrates notification representations 713 and714 displayed on see through display 711 in relation to objects 712which may be seen through see through display 711. It can be seen thatnotification representation 714 is more opaque than notificationrepresentation 713. In at least one example embodiment, notificationrepresentation 714 is indicative of notification content that has alower cognitive load than the notification content indicated bynotification representation 713.

FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating notifications indicative of cognitiveload of notification content according to at least one exampleembodiment. In at least one example embodiment, a size of a notificationrepresentation is indicative of a cognitive load of the associatednotification content. For example, size of the notificationrepresentation may be directly proportional to the cognitive load. Insuch an example, the size of the notification representation may begoverned by the equation below, where S represents size of thenotification representation, S_(min) represents the minimum size of thenotification representation, C represents the cognitive load, and S_(fs)represents a scaling factor associated with size.

S=S _(min) +S _(fs) C

In such an example, a larger cognitive load may be indicated by anotification representation that is larger than a notificationrepresentation indicative of a lesser cognitive load. In such anexample, the user may easily and intuitively distinguish thenotification associated with the lower cognitive load from thenotification associated with the higher cognitive load. Therefore, theuser can predict the amount of attention that the notification contentmay involve when the user invokes the notification.

The example of FIG. 7C illustrates notification representations 723 and724 displayed on see through display 721 in relation to objects 722which may be seen through see through display 721. It can be seen thatnotification representation 724 is smaller than notificationrepresentation 723. In at least one example embodiment, notificationrepresentation 724 is indicative of notification content that has alower cognitive load than the notification content indicated bynotification representation 723.

FIG. 7D is a diagram illustrating notifications indicative of cognitiveload of notification content according to at least one exampleembodiment. In at least one example embodiment, movement of anotification representation is indicative of a cognitive load of theassociated notification content. In at least one example embodiment, amovement speed of a notification representation is indicative of acognitive load of the associated notification content. For example, thenotification representation may be caused to move along a path on thedisplay. In such an example, the speed at which the notificationrepresentation moves along the path may be indicative of the cognitiveload. In another example, there may be an animation associated with thenotification representation. For example, the notificationrepresentation may have an animation indicative of movement. In such anexample, speed of the animation may be indicative of the cognitive load.In at least one example embodiment, a speed associated with thenotification representation may be inversely proportional to thecognitive load. In such an example, a speed associated with thenotification representation may be governed by the equation below, whereV represents speed of the notification representation, V_(max)represents the maximum speed of the notification representation, Crepresents the cognitive load, and S_(fv) represents a scaling factorassociated with size.

V=V _(max) −S _(fv) C

The speed being inversely proportional to the cognitive load may beintuitive to the user, for, at least, the indication that the movementof the notification representation is more burdened in association witha larger cognitive load than with a lesser cognitive load, such that themovement is slower. In such an example, a larger cognitive load may beindicated by a notification representation that has a slower movementthan a notification representation indicative of a lesser cognitiveload. In such an example, the user may easily and intuitivelydistinguish the notification associated with the lower cognitive loadfrom the notification associated with the higher cognitive load.Therefore, the user can predict the amount of attention that thenotification content may involve when the user invokes the notification.

In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus may guard againstmovement path of multiple notification representations overlapping. Forexample, it may be easier for the user to distinguish betweennotification representations that have movement paths that do notoverlap. Therefore, in at least one example embodiment, a movement pathof a notification representation is non-overlapping with a movement pathof another notification representation.

The example of FIG. 7D illustrates notification representations 732 and737 displayed on display 731. The example of FIG. 7D illustratesmovement of notification representations 732 and 737 during a timeinterval. During the time interval of FIG. 7D, notificationrepresentation 732 moved from position 734 along movement path 733.During the time interval of FIG. 7D, notification representation 737moved from position 735 along movement path 736. It can be seen thatmovement speed of notification representation 737 is faster than themovement speed of notification representation 732. In at least oneexample embodiment, this difference in movement speed is indicative ofnotification representation 737 being associated with a lower cognitiveload than that of notification representation 732.

FIG. 7E is a diagram illustrating notifications indicative of cognitiveload of notification content according to at least one exampleembodiment. In at least one example embodiment, movement of anotification representation is indicative of a cognitive load of theassociated notification content. In at least one example embodiment, amovement pattern of a notification representation is indicative of acognitive load of the associated notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, a movement pattern relates to acharacteristic of the movement path of a notification representation.For example, a movement path may comprise a repeating movement patternthat characterizes the movement path. For example, the movement patternmay be smooth in that the movement path progresses with slight deviationfrom a common direction along the path. In another example, the movementpattern may be obtrusive in that the movement path progresses withpersistent deviation from a common direction along the movement path. Inat least one example embodiment, amount of deviation from a commondirection associated with a movement pattern is indicative of acognitive load. For example, an amount of deviation from a commonmovement direction may be directly proportional to the cognitive load.In at least one example embodiment, a common movement directionassociated with movement of a notification representation relates to amean direction towards which the notification representation moves overa period of time.

In at least one example embodiment, the movement pattern is indicativeof a weight being carried. For example, a movement pattern may indicatea heavy weight by way of a larger amount of deviation from a commondirection than that of a light weight. For example, the deviation may beindicative of staggering, struggling, and/or the like. In at least oneexample embodiment, the weight is directly proportional to the cognitiveload.

For example, the notification representation may be caused to move alonga path on the display. In such an example, the speed at which thenotification representation moves along the path may be indicative ofthe cognitive load. In another example, there may be an animationassociated with the notification representation. For example, thenotification representation may have an animation indicative ofmovement. In such an example, speed of the animation may be indicativeof the cognitive load. In at least one example embodiment, a speedassociated with the notification representation may be inverselyproportional to the cognitive load.

The example of FIG. 7E illustrates notification representations 742 and745 displayed on display 741. The example of FIG. 7E illustratesmovement of notification representations 742 and 745 during a timeinterval. During the time interval of FIG. 7E, notificationrepresentation 742 moved from position 744 along movement path 743 alonga common direction towards the right of display 741. During the timeinterval of FIG. 7E, notification representation 745 moved from position747 along movement path 746 along a common direction towards the rightof display 741. It can be seen that movement pattern of notificationrepresentation 745 is associated with less deviation from a commondirection that the movement pattern of notification representation 742.In the example of FIG. 7E, notification representations 742 and 745 areshaped to be indicative of a flying entity, and the movement patternsof, notification representations 742 and 745 are indicative of a weightbeing carried by the flying entity. In at least one example embodiment,this difference in movement pattern is indicative of notificationrepresentation 745 being associated with a lower cognitive load thanthat of notification representation 742.

FIGS. 8A-8C are diagrams illustrating display of notification contentaccording to at least one example embodiment. The examples of FIGS.8A-8C are merely examples of display of notification content, and do notlimit the scope of the claims. For example, amount of notificationcontent may vary, format of notification content may vary, position ofnotification content may vary, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, an apparatus causes display ofnotification content. In at least one example embodiment, causingdisplay of notification content comprises introduction of thenotification content, retention of the notification content, removal ofthe notification content. In at least one example embodiment,introduction of the notification content relates to a representation ofthe notification content that is displayed as a prelude to thenotification content presented for user understanding of thenotification content. For example, introduction of the notificationcontent may relate to an animation that visually transitions the viewingenvironment from the notification content being absent to thenotification content being present. For example, the animation mayrelate to the notification content expanding from the notificationrepresentation, sliding into position from a side of the display,materializing onto the display, and/or the like. In at least one exampleembodiment, the introduction of the notification content is associatedwith a duration. The duration may relate to the amount of time that theintroduction is present.

In at least one example embodiment, retention of the notificationcontent relates to a representation of the notification content that isdisplayed for user understanding of the notification content. Forexample, retention of the notification content may relate to display ofa representation of the notification content that is configured for userassimilation of the notification content. For example, retention of thenotification content may relate to the notification content shown in theexamples of FIGS. 8A-8C. In at least one example embodiment, theretention of the notification content is associated with a duration. Theduration may relate to the amount of time that the retention is present.For example, the duration of the retention may relate to the amount oftime between the end of the introduction of the notification content andthe beginning of the removal of the notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, removal of the notification contentrelates to a representation of the notification content that isdisplayed as an epilogue to the notification content presented for userunderstanding of the notification content. For example, removal of thenotification content may relate to an animation that visuallytransitions the viewing environment from the notification content beingpresent to the notification content being absent. For example, theanimation may relate to the notification content compressing to thenotification representation, sliding out of view to a side of thedisplay, dematerializing from the display, and/or the like. In at leastone example embodiment, the removal of the notification content isassociated with a duration. The duration may relate to the amount oftime that the removal is present.

As previously discussed, the user adequately understanding the contentmay involve the user directing attention and concentration towards thecontent being displayed. In some circumstances, it may be desirable totailor the content displayed to the attention level that the userdesires to allocate to understanding the content. In at least oneexample embodiment, the apparatus causes display of notification contentin compliance with an interaction preference. In at least one exampleembodiment, the apparatus may cause display of, at least part of, thenotification content in compliance with an interaction preference. Forexample, the apparatus may determine a representation of thenotification content that complies with the interaction preference. Insuch an example, causing display of, at least part of, the notificationcontent in compliance with an interaction preference may comprisecausing display of the determined representation of the notificationcontent. In at least one example embodiment, causing display of thenotification content in compliance with the interaction preferencerelates to causing introduction of the notification content incompliance with the interaction preference. In at least one exampleembodiment, causing display of the notification content in compliancewith the interaction preference relates to causing retention of thenotification content in compliance with the interaction preference. Inat least one example embodiment, causing display of the notificationcontent in compliance with the interaction preference relates to causingremoval of the notification content in compliance with the interactionpreference. In at least one example embodiment, an interactionpreference aspect relates to a part of the interaction preference thatgoverns any one of introduction of the notification content, retentionof the notification content, removal of the notification content, and/orthe like. In at least one example embodiment, causing display of thenotification content in compliance with the interaction preferencecomprises causing display of the notification content in compliance withthe interaction preference aspect.

In at least one example embodiment, an interaction preference relates toa directive governing at least one characteristic of the manner in whichinformation is displayed. The interaction preference may relate to aduration associated with display of notification content, a speedassociated with display of content, amount of notification content to bedisplayed, or an animation associated with display of content.

In at least one example embodiment the duration associated with displayof notification content relates to a duration associated with retentionof the notification content, a duration associated with introduction ofthe notification content, a duration associated with removal of thenotification content, and/or the like. For example, an interactionpreference may indicate a preference for a brief glance of thenotification content. In such an example, the duration of the retentionof the notification content may be smaller than that of a retention ofnotification content associated with an interaction preferenceindicative of a longer viewing.

In at least one example embodiment, the speed associated with display ofnotification content relates to a speed associated with introduction ofthe notification content, a speed associated with removal of thenotification content, and/or the like. For example, the interactionpreference may indicate that the user has little attention to dedicateto the notification content. In such an example, the introduction of thenotification content may be quick or instantaneous compared to anintroduction of the notification content associated with an interactionpreference indicative of a higher user attentiveness level.

In at least one example embodiment, the animation associated withdisplay of notification content relates to an animation associated withintroduction of the notification content, an animation associated withremoval of the notification content, and/or the like. For example, whenthe user has an abundance of attention to dedicate to understanding thenotification content, the user may appreciate an elaborate andaesthetically pleasing animation. However, when the same user has scarceattention to dedicate to understanding the notification content, theuser may become annoyed by having his attention consumed by an elaborateor aesthetically pleasing animation.

Without limiting the claims in any way, at least one technical effectassociated with causing display of, at least part of, the notificationcontent in compliance with an interaction preference may be to allow theuser to tailor notification content and/or the manner in whichnotification content is presented, to suit the attention that the userdedicates to understanding the notification content. In addition, incircumstances where the display relates to a see through display, atleast one technical effect associated with causing display of, at leastpart of, the notification content in compliance with an interactionpreference may be to allow a user to tailor obscurance of display areaassociated with display of the notification content on the see throughdisplay. In circumstances where the see through display is a near eyedisplay, at least one technical effect associated with causing displayof, at least part of, the notification content in compliance with aninteraction preference may be to allow a user to avoid potentiallydangerous distraction associated with display of the notificationcontent in a manner that interferes with perception of object around theuser, or interferes with an activity of the user.

In at least one example embodiment, the interaction preference relatesto a predetermined value. For example, there may be a setting associatedwith the interaction preference that may be configured by the user, bythe apparatus manufacturer, by an account manager, by environmentalconditions, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, theuser may vary the interaction preference associated with display ofnotification content by varying the invocation input associated withinvocation of the notification content. In at least one exampleembodiment, an apparatus may cause display of notification contentbased, at least in part, on an invocation input. An invocation input maybe similar as described regarding FIGS. 9A-9B.

In at least one example embodiment, causation of display of thenotification content in compliance with the interaction preference isperformed after the termination part of the invocation input. Forexample, causation of display of the notification content in compliancewith the interaction preference may be performed after the userterminates the input. Without limiting the scope of the claims in anyway, at least one technical effect associated with causation of displayof the notification content in compliance with the interactionpreference is performed after the termination part of the invocationinput may be to avoid having the user dedicate attention to monitor thedisplay of the notification content and tailor the input in relation tothe displayed notification content. For example, the user may desire toperform an input without adjusting the input in relation to thedisplayed notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, an invocation input is indicative ofan attention level. In at least one example embodiment, an attentivenesslevel relates to a threshold value indicative of a user's cognitiveability to perceive notification content. For example, an input relatingto a quick swipe may indicate a lesser attention level than an inputrelating to a slow drag. In at least one example embodiment, theapparatus determines an attentiveness level based, at least in part, onthe invocation input. In such an example, the apparatus may determinethe interaction preference based, at least in part, on the attentivenesslevel. For example, the apparatus may determine the interactionpreference to be directly proportional to the attentiveness level. Inthis manner, the apparatus may tailor the interaction preference toalign with the attentiveness level of the user as indicated by theinvocation input.

In at least one example embodiment, the amount of notification contentto be displayed is based, at least in part on the attentiveness level.For example, the apparatus may cause display of less notificationcontent in relation to a low attentiveness level than in relation to ahigh attentiveness level. In at least one example embodiment, the amountof notification content to be displayed is based, at least in part onthe interaction preference. For example, the apparatus may cause displayof less notification content in relation to an interaction preferencethat is indicative of less dedicated user attention than in relation toan interaction preference that is indicative of less dedicated userattention.

In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus determines aninteraction preference based, at least in part, on an input aspect ofthe invocation input. The input aspect may be similar as describedregarding FIGS. 9A-9B.

In at least one example embodiment, determination of the interactionpreference comprises determining at least one interaction preferenceaspect. For example, the apparatus may determine at least oneinteraction aspect based, at least in part, on an input aspect. In atleast one example embodiment, the interaction preference aspectcorresponds with the input aspect. In at least one example embodiment,the apparatus determines the interaction preference aspect to bedirectly proportional to the input aspect. For example, in circumstancewhere the input aspect relates to a duration of a movement inputcomprised by the invocation input, the interaction preference aspect mayrelate to an introduction of the notification content having a durationdirectly proportional to the duration of the movement input, retentionof the notification content having a duration directly proportional tothe duration of the movement input, removal of the notification contenthaving a duration directly proportional to the duration of the movementinput, and/or the like. In another example, in circumstances where theinput aspect relates to a distance of a movement input comprised by theinvocation input, the interaction preference aspect may relate to anintroduction of the notification content having a duration directlyproportional to the distance of the movement input, retention of thenotification content having a duration directly proportional to thedistance of the movement input, removal of the notification contenthaving a duration directly proportional to the distance of the movementinput, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus determines theinteraction preference aspect to be inversely proportional to the inputaspect. For example, in circumstance where the input aspect relates to aspeed of a movement input comprised by the invocation input, theinteraction preference aspect may relate to an introduction of thenotification content having a duration inversely proportional to thespeed of the movement input, retention of the notification contenthaving a duration inversely proportional to the speed of the movementinput, removal of the notification content having a duration inverselyproportional to the speed of the movement input, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, the interaction preference comprisesan expressiveness preference. In at least one example embodiment, anexpressiveness preference relates to a desired level of expressivenessin the display of the notification content. For example, a highexpressiveness preference may be indicative of a higher level ofelaborate and aesthetically pleasing animation than that of a lowexpressiveness preference. In at least one example embodiment, theapparatus determines an expressiveness preference based, at least inpart, on an input aspect. In at least one example embodiment, theinteraction preference relates to an animation associated with displayof content. For example, the interaction preference may comprise anexpressiveness preference, and the animation may be based, at least inpart, on the expressiveness preference.

As previously described, an amount of notification content to bedisplayed may be based, at least in part on the attentiveness level. Inat least one example embodiment, the apparatus determines anattentiveness level based, at least in part, on the invocation input. Inat least one example embodiment, the apparatus determines theattentiveness level to be directly proportional to an input aspect. Forexample, in circumstance where the input aspect relates to a duration ofa movement input comprised by the invocation input, the attentivenesslevel may be directly proportional to the duration. In another example,in circumstances where the input aspect relates to a distance of amovement input comprised by the invocation input, the attentivenesslevel may be directly proportional to the distance. In at least oneexample embodiment, the apparatus determines the attentiveness level tobe inversely proportional to the input aspect. For example, incircumstance where the input aspect relates to a speed of a movementinput comprised by the invocation input, the attentiveness level may beinversely proportional to the speed.

In at least one example embodiment, the interaction preference may bebased, at least in part, on cognitive load associated with thenotification content. For example, if the cognitive load of notificationcontent is high, the interaction preference may be indicative of displayof a subset of the notification content. In another example, if thecognitive load of the notification content is high, the interactionpreference may be indicative of display of the entirety of thenotification content.

In the examples of FIGS. 8A-8B, the notification content displayed isdescribed in terms of small, moderate, and large. These terms are usedonly for comparison between each other, and are not intended tospecifically quantify any amount of content or size of the displayedcontent on a display.

FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating display of notification contentaccording to at least one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 8A,the apparatus causes display of a part of notification content 802 ondisplay 801. In the example of FIG. 8A, the part of the notificationcontent may relate to a small amount of the notification content. Forexample, the interaction preference may be indicative of a low level ofuser attention. In such an example, the apparatus may determine todisplay a small amount of the notification content in response to aninvocation input. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatusdetermines the small amount of the notification content to be a titleassociated with the notification content, such as an email subject, afilename, a song name, and/or the like. In at least one exampleembodiment, the apparatus determines the small amount of thenotification content to be a small subset of the notification content,such as an excerpt from the notification content, an image form thenotification content, and/or the like. In at least one exampleembodiment, the amount of notification content may be based on theamount of display space associated with the notification content. Forexample, the apparatus may determine an allowable notification contentrepresentation size based, at least in part, on the interactionpreference, and based the amount of notification content, at least inpart, on the amount of the notification content that will fit within thenotification content representation size. In the example of FIG. 8A, thepart of notification content 802 may be based, at least in part, on asmall notification content representation size.

FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating display of notification contentaccording to at least one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 8B,the apparatus causes display of a part of notification content 812 ondisplay 811. In the example of FIG. 8B, the part of the notificationcontent may relate to a moderate amount of the notification content. Forexample, the interaction preference may be indicative of a moderatelevel of user attention. In such an example, the apparatus may determineto display a moderate amount of the notification content in response toan invocation input. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatusdetermines the moderate amount of the notification content to be animage associated with the notification content, a subset of a body ofthe notification content, a title associated with the notificationcontent, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, the amountof notification content may be based on the amount of display spaceassociated with the notification content. For example, the apparatus maydetermine an allowable notification content representation size based,at least in part, on the interaction preference, and based the amount ofnotification content, at least in part, on the amount of thenotification content that will fit within the notification contentrepresentation size. In the example of FIG. 8B, the part of notificationcontent 812 may be based, at least in part, on a moderate notificationcontent representation size.

FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating display of notification contentaccording to at least one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 8C,the apparatus causes display of a part of notification content 822 ondisplay 821. In the example of FIG. 8C, the part of the notificationcontent may relate to a large amount of the notification content. Forexample, the interaction preference may be indicative of a large levelof user attention. In such an example, the apparatus may determine todisplay a large amount of the notification content in response to aninvocation input. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatusdetermines the large amount of the notification content to be an imageassociated with the notification content, a subset of a body of thenotification content, a title associated with the notification content,and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, the amount ofnotification content may be based on the amount of display spaceassociated with the notification content. For example, the apparatus maydetermine an allowable notification content representation size based,at least in part, on the interaction preference, and based the amount ofnotification content, at least in part, on the amount of thenotification content that will fit within the notification contentrepresentation size. In the example of FIG. 8C, the part of notificationcontent 822 may be based, at least in part, on a large notificationcontent representation size.

FIGS. 9A-9B are diagrams illustrating invocation inputs according to atleast one example embodiment. The examples of FIGS. 9A-9B are merelyexamples of invocation inputs, and do not limit the scope of the claims.For example, number of parts of the input may vary, types of inputs mayvary, aspects of the inputs may vary, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, an apparatus causes display of, atleast part of, notification content in response to receiving aninvocation input in relation to a notification representation associatedwith the notification content. In invocation input may be an inputindicative of selecting the notification representation in a manner thatinvokes display of the notification content. For example, a position ofthe invocation input may correspond with a position of, at least partof, the notification representation.

In at least one example embodiment, an invocation input relates to atouch input, such as the touch inputs of FIGS. 4A-4E. The invocationinput may comprise an initiation part and a termination part. Aninitiation part of the invocation input may relate to a contact input,similar as described regarding FIGS. 4A-4E. A termination part of theinvocation input may relate to a release input, similar as describedregarding FIGS. 4A-4E. In at least one example embodiment, such a touchinput may be received by way of a touch sensor that relates to avariable texture surface, similar as described regarding FIGS. 5A-5B. Inat least one example embodiment, an invocation input relates to agesture input, such as a motion of the apparatus, a motion of the handof the user, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, theapparatus predicates display of notification content upon determinationthat a received input is an invocation input. As previously described,an invocation input may comprise one or more input aspects. In at leastone example embodiment, an input aspect relates to a movement speed, aforce, a direction, a number of contact inputs, and/or the like.

FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an invocation input according to atleast one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, theinvocation input comprises at least one part in addition to theinitiation part and the termination part. For example, the invocationinput may comprise at least one movement part. FIG. 9A illustrates aninvocation input comprising initiation part 901, movement part 902, andtermination part 903. The movement part may be similar to a touchmovement input, such as movement input 444 of FIG. 4C, an apparatusgesture movement, a user gesture movement, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, the movement part corresponds withmovement of the notification representation. For example, the movementpart may correspond with movement 743 of FIG. 7E, movement 736 of FIG.7D, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatusmay determine the movement part to be a movement part that correspondswith the movement of the notification representation.

FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an invocation input according to atleast one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, theinvocation input comprises multiple parts in addition to the initiationpart and the termination part. For example, the invocation input maycomprise a plurality of movement parts. FIG. 9B illustrates aninvocation input comprising initiation part 911, movement part 912,movement part 913, movement part 914, and termination part 915. Themovement part may be similar to a touch movement input, such as movementinput 444 of FIG. 4C, an apparatus gesture movement, a user gesturemovement, and/or the like. In this manner, a movement part may comprisea plurality of movement parts to be performed in a designated sequence.

It can be seen that the invocation input of FIG. 9B is more complex thanthe invocation input of FIG. 9A. In some circumstances, it may bedesirable for the invocation input to be complex. For example, it may bedesirable for the complexity of the invocation input to be directlyproportional to the cognitive load of the notification content. Forexample, performing a complex input may involve a greater amount ofattention from the user than performing a less complex input. Byperforming a complex input, the user is providing verification of theuser's attentiveness to the apparatus. Therefore, by having more complexinvocation inputs being associated with higher cognitive loads and lesscomplex invocation inputs being associated with lower cognitive loads,the apparatus may determine that a user has an appropriate attentiondirected to the apparatus to be able to understand the notificationcontent based on the user's performance of the invocation input. For atleast this reason, it may be desirable for the apparatus to determinethe invocation input associated with notification content based, atleast in part, on the cognitive load of the notification content. Inthis manner, the invocation input associated with notification contentmay be indicative of the cognitive load of the notification content.

As indicated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, complexity of the invocation input mayrelate to a number of parts comprised by the invocation input. Forexample, a more complex invocation input may have a greater number ofparts than the number of parts associated with a less complex invocationinput. For example, a number of movement parts comprised by theinvocation input may be directly proportional to the cognitive load. Inat least one example embodiment, a movement part comprised by theinvocation input is associated with a distance that is directlyproportional to the cognitive load. For example, a longer distance mayrelate to a higher cognitive load and a shorter distance may relate to alower cognitive load.

Even though the examples of FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate invocation inputscomprising movement parts, the invocation inputs may comprise othertypes of parts instead of or in addition to a movement part. Forexample, the invocation input may comprise a tap input, a proximityinput, a speech input, a visual input, and/or the like. In at least oneexample embodiment, complexity of the invocation input relates to adiversity of parts comprised by the invocation input. Diversity of partsmay relate to a number of different input classifications comprised bythe invocation input. For example, an invocation input comprising aspeech part and a movement part may be more complex than an invocationinput comprising two movement parts.

In at least one example embodiment, duration of one or more parts of theinvocation input is directly proportional to the cognitive load. Forexample, a user performing an input having a longer duration may involvemore attention from the user than an input having a shorter duration.

In this manner, the invocation input may be associated with a cognitiveburden on the user that is proportional to the cognitive load of thenotification content. It may be desirable to impose a cognitive burdenon the user that is directly proportional to the cognitive load. Bypredicating the display of the notification content upon performance ofsuch a cognitive burden, the apparatus may allow the user to becomeacclimatized to the amount of attention associated with the notificationcontent. For example, the user may determine that he is unable todedicate sufficient attention to satisfy the burden of the invocationinput. In such circumstances, the user may have been unable to dedicatesufficient attention to understand notification content associated witha similar cognitive load. In this manner, the cognitive burden relatesto an attentiveness level of the user. It may be further desirable toimpose such cognitive burden on invocation of notification contentassociated with a see through display, such as a near eye display, forexample, to avoid distraction associated with the user attempting tounderstand the notification content.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an invocation input in relation to acognitive load range according to at least one example embodiment. Theexample of FIG. 10 is merely an example of an invocation input inrelation to a cognitive load range, and does not limit the scope of theclaims. For example, number of cognitive load ranges may vary, number ofinvocation inputs may vary, relationship between cognitive load rangeand invocation input may vary, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, an apparatus determines aninvocation input based, at least in part, on selection of apredetermined invocation input. For example, the apparatus may comprisea set list of invocation inputs associated with varying levels ofcomplexity. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus selects apredetermined invocation input that has a complexity that correspondswith a cognitive load of the notification content to which thenotification content will be associated. The predetermined invocationinput may be configured by the user, by the apparatus manufacturer, byan account manager, by environmental conditions, and/or the like. In atleast one example embodiment, a predetermined invocation input isassociated with a cognitive load range. A cognitive load range mayrelate to a set of contiguous cognitive load values. In this manner, theapparatus may determine an invocation input based, at least in part, ondetermination that the cognitive load is within a cognitive load rangeassociated with the invocation input. In at least one exampleembodiment, the apparatus may utilize a table that indicates associationbetween cognitive load ranges and invocation inputs.

The example of FIG. 10 illustrates a structure for associating cognitiveload ranges with invocation inputs. It can be seen that the structure ofFIG. 10 comprises an association between cognitive load range 1001 andinvocation input 1005, an association between cognitive load range 1002and invocation input 1006, an association between cognitive load range1003 and invocation input 1007, and an association between cognitiveload range 1004 and invocation input 1008.

FIGS. 11A-11C are diagrams illustrating selection points according to atleast one example embodiment. The examples of FIGS. 11A-11C are merelyexamples of selection points, and do not limit the scope of the claims.For example, representation of the selection point may vary, position ofthe selection point may vary, relation between the selection point andthe notification may vary, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, a user may interact with anotification representation by way of a selection point. It may bedesirable to utilize a selection point in circumstances where an inputdevice, such as a touch sensor, is not physically coupled with thedisplay. In at least one example embodiment, a selection point relatesto a position on the display that relates to a position associated withan input device. In at least one example embodiment, the position of theselection point correlates to a fixed position of a touch sensorassociated with input. In circumstances where the touch sensorcorresponds to the a variable texture surface, the position of theselection point may correlate to a fixed position of the variabletexture surface. For example, the fixed position of the variable texturesurface may be a geometric center of the variable texture surface, aposition associated with a visual indication on the variable texturesurface, and/or the like.

In some circumstances, the apparatus may move the position of theselection point. In at least one example embodiment, the position of theselection point is based, at least in part, on touch sensor informationreceived from the touch sensor. For example, in some circumstances,movement input received by the touch sensor corresponds with movement ofthe selection point. In this manner, the touch sensor information may beindicative of selection point movement. In at least one exampleembodiment, the position of the selection point is based, at least inpart, on gaze tracking information. For example the apparatus mayreceive gaze tracking information indicative of a position on thedisplay at which the user is gazing. In such circumstances, theselection point may correspond with the position indicated by the gazetracking information. In this manner, the gaze tracking information maybe indicative of the selection point.

In at least one example embodiment, the selection point may be visuallyunrepresented. In at least one example embodiment, a selection pointbeing visually unrepresented relates to a selection point which is notrepresented by any visual indication provided on a display. Withoutlimiting the scope of the claims in any way, at least one technicaleffect associated with a visually unrepresented selection point may beto avoid distraction to the user associated with presence and movementof a visual indication of a selection point. Such effect may bedesirable in conjunction with a see through display or a near eyedisplay, where a visual representation of a selection point may obstructa user's ability to see objects through the display.

FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a selection point according to atleast one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 11A, selectionpoint 1103 is at a position that corresponds with notificationrepresentation 1102 on display 1101. Even though the position ofselection point 1103 is represented as a visible circle, selection point1103 may be visually unrepresented.

FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a selection point according to atleast one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 11B, selectionpoint 1113 is at a position that proximate to notificationrepresentation 1112 on display 1111. It can be seen that notificationrepresentation 1112 is to the right of selection point 1113. Even thoughthe position of selection point 1113 is represented as a visible circle,selection point 1113 may be visually unrepresented.

FIG. 11C is a diagram illustrating a selection point according to atleast one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 11C, selectionpoint 1123 is at a position that proximate to notificationrepresentation 1122 on display 1121. It can be seen that notificationrepresentation 1122 is to the right of selection point 1123. It can beseen that selection point 1123 is visually indicated by an arrow.

FIGS. 12A-12C are diagrams illustrating textural representationsaccording to at least one example embodiment. The examples of FIGS.12A-12C are merely examples of textural representations, and do notlimit the scope of the claims. For example, size of the texturalrepresentation may vary, shape of the textural representation may vary,orientation of the textural representation may vary, and/or the like.

It may be desirable for a user to be able to perceive a texturalindication of the notification content associated with a notification.For example, the user may desire to perceive an indication ofnotification content without diverting visual attention from a task thatthe user is performing. In at least one example embodiment, theapparatus determines a textural representation of the notificationbased, at least in part, on notification content associated with thenotification. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus causesrendering of the textural representation of the notification on avariable texture surface. In this manner, the user may be able toperceive the textural representation of the notification by way of thevariable texture interface.

In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus may determine thetextural representation of the notification based, at least in part, ona content classification associated with the notification content. Thecontent classification may be similar as described regarding FIG. 6. Insuch an example, the textural representation of the notification may beindicative of the content classification. The apparatus may determinethe content classification.

In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus determines thetextural representation of the notification based, at least in part, onthe cognitive load of the notification content associated with thenotification. In this manner, the textural representation of thenotification may be indicative of the cognitive load of the notificationcontent associated with the notification. Without limiting the claims inany way, at least one technical advantage associated with the texturalrepresentation of the notification may be indicative of the cognitiveload of the notification content associated with the notification may beto allow the user to perceive the cognitive load associated with thenotification content without allocating visual attention to thenotification, to the notification content, and/or the like. In at leastone example embodiment, the notification content is absent informationthat designates a texture. In at least one example embodiment, theapparatus determines the textural representation of the notificationindependently of any textural information comprised by the notificationcontent. For example, in some circumstances, the apparatus may determinethe textural representation of the notification without consideration ofany textural information comprised by the notification content.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation isdirectly proportional to the cognitive load. For example, the magnitudeof the textural representation of the notification may be directlyproportional to a magnitude of the cognitive load. In at least oneexample embodiment, magnitude of a textural representation relates tothe amount of sensory excitation experienced by the user in relation tothe textural representation. In another example, a size of the texturalrepresentation of the notification may be directly proportional to thecognitive load. In at least one example embodiment, size of a texturalrepresentation relates to an amount of surface area associated with thetextural representation. In some circumstances, the texturalrepresentation may relate to an a surface area larger than the variabletexture surface upon which the textural representation is rendered. Insuch circumstances, a user may perceive the size of the texturalrepresentation by way of moving a selection point in relation to thetextural representation.

In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus determines a texturetype of a textural representation, such as the textural representationof the notification. The texture type may relate to a classification oftexture. For example, a texture type may relate to a smooth texture, arough texture, a hairy texture, a furry texture, a scaly texture, and/orthe like. The apparatus may determine the texture type, based, at leastin part, on notification content. For example, the texture type may beindicative of cognitive load of the notification content, one or morecontent classification of the notification content, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus determines a positionof the textural representation of the notification. The position mayrelate to position of a selection point. The selection point may besimilar as described regarding FIGS. 11A-11C. In at least one exampleembodiment, the position of the textural representation of thenotification relates to a position on the variable texture surface. Inat least one example embodiment, the textural representation of thenotification comprises texture, similar as described regarding FIGS.3A-3D, heat, haptic pulses, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of thenotification is based, at least in part on a sender of the notificationcontent. The sender may be similar as described regarding FIG. 6. Inthis manner, the textural representation of the notification may beindicative of the sender. For example, the apparatus may associate apredetermined texture type with a sender. In at least one exampleembodiment, the textural representation of the notification is based, atleast in part on a relationship between the user and the sender. Therelationship may be similar as described regarding FIG. 6. In such anexample, notification content received from a user's spouse may beassociated with a soft texture type. In this manner the texturalrepresentation of the notification may be indicative of therelationship.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable for the user to receiveguidance regarding an invocation input. For example, as previouslydescribed, an invocation input, may be complex. In such circumstances,it may be desirable to provide the guidance without visually distractingthe user. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus determines atextural guidance indicative of, at least part of, an invocation input.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to limit provision ofguidance to circumstances where the apparatus has determined that theuser may be performing an invocation input, to circumstances where theapparatus has determined which invocation input that the user may beperforming, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus determines that areceived input corresponds with a first part of an invocation input. Insuch an example, the apparatus may identify a second part of theinvocation input. The second part of the invocation input may beimmediately subsequent to the first part of the invocation input. In atleast one example embodiment, the apparatus causes rendering of atextural representation of guidance that is indicative of the secondpart of the invocation input. In at least one example embodiment, theapparatus determines the textural representation of the guidance based,at least in part, on the second part of the invocation input.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of theguidance relates to a texture that is communicative of a preference fora movement input. For example, the user may intuitively perceive how toperform the movement of the second input based, at least in part, on thetextural representation of the guidance. In at least one exampleembodiment, the textural representation of the guidance relates to lesstextural resistance in a direction that complies with the second partthan the textural resistance in a direction that fails to comply withthe second part. For example, the textural representation of theguidance being indicative of a direction that complies with the secondpart may relate to being indicative of animal fur being stroked alongthe lay of the fur. In another example, the textural representation ofthe guidance being indicative of a direction that fails to comply withthe second part relates to being indicative of animal fur being strokedin opposition to the lay of the fur.

In at least one example embodiment, the textural representation of theguidance relates to a texture that is communicative of a preference fora force input. For example, the user may intuitively perceive how toapply the force of the second input based, at least in part, on thetextural representation of the guidance. In at least one exampleembodiment, the textural representation of the guidance relates to lesstextural resistance to indicate a lesser force input than the texturalresistance of a greater force. In at least one example embodiment, thetextural representation of the guidance relates to greater texturalresistance to indicate a lesser force input than the textural resistanceof a greater force.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable for the texturalrepresentation of the guidance to relate to variation of texture basedon input that the user is performing. For example, the apparatus maydetermine the textural representation of guidance based on an indicationof input that the user is performing. For example, the texturalrepresentation of the guidance may vary at the position where the useris touching the variable texture surface. For example, after receivingthe first input as described above, the apparatus may receive anindication of a direction associated with, at least part of, the secondinput.

The apparatus may determine the textural representation of the guidancebased, at least in part, on a difference between a direction of thesecond input and the direction associated with the second input. Forexample, upon receiving an indication that the direction of, at leastpart of, the second input becomes compliant with the second part of theinvocation input, the apparatus may reduce textural resistance of thetextural representation of the guidance based, at least in part, on thedirection. In another example, upon receiving an indication that thedirection of, at least part of, the second input becomes non-compliantwith the second part of the invocation input, the apparatus may increasetextural resistance of the textural representation of the guidancebased, at least in part, on the direction.

The apparatus may determine a textural representation that iscommunicative of a difference between the force of the second part ofthe invocation input and a force of the second input. For example, uponreceiving an indication of force associated with, at least part of, thesecond input, the apparatus may determine the textural representation ofguidance based, at least in part, on a difference between a force of thesecond input and the force input. In such an example, upon receiving anindication that a force of, at least part of, the second input becomesless than the force input of the second part of the invocation input,the apparatus may reduce textural depth of the textural representationof the guidance based, at least in part, on the force of the secondinput and the force input of the second part of the invocation input. Inanother example, upon receiving an indication that a force of, at leastpart of, the second input becomes greater than the force input of thesecond part of the invocation input, the apparatus may increase texturaldepth of the textural representation of the guidance based, at least inpart, on the force of the second input and the force input of the secondpart of the invocation input.

FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating textural representations according toat least one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 12A, texturerepresentation 1204 is rendered on variable texture surface 1201 inrelation to selection point 1202. The shading of FIG. 12A indicates thatthe texture of textural representation 1204 differs from the texture ofthe variable texture surface at positions that do not correspond withvisual representation 1204, by having a texture indicated by texture1203.

In at least one example embodiment, textural representation 1204 relatesto a textural representation of a notification. For example, texturalrepresentation 1204 may be a textural representation of notification1102 of FIG. 11A. It should be understood that the shape of texturalrepresentation 1204 may vary. In some examples, there may be differencesbetween the shape of the notification representation and the shape ofthe textural representation of the notification. For example, resolutionof the variable texture surface may cause differences between the shapeof the notification representation and the shape of the texturalrepresentation of the notification. It can be seen that texturalrepresentation 1204 is positioned with respect to selection point 1202similarly as notification representation 1102 is positioned with respectto selection point 1103. In this manner, a user may perceive thattouching a position that corresponds with textural representation 1204relates to an input associated with notification representation 1102,even if selection point 1103 is not visually represented.

In at least one example embodiment, textural representation 1204 relatesto a textural representation of a guidance. For example, texturalrepresentation of the guidance may relate to a textural representationof guidance for a force input. For example, textural representation maybe a texture indicative of a force to be applied as part of aninvocation input.

FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating textural representations according toat least one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 12B, texturerepresentation 1214 is rendered on variable texture surface 1211 inrelation to selection point 1212. The shading of FIG. 12B indicates thatthe texture of textural representation 1214 differs from the texture ofthe variable texture surface at positions that do not correspond withvisual representation 1214, by having a texture indicated by texture1213.

In at least one example embodiment, textural representation 1214 relatesto a textural representation of a notification. For example, texturalrepresentation 1214 may be a textural representation of notification1112 of FIG. 11B. It should be understood that the shape of texturalrepresentation 1214 may vary. In some examples, there may be differencesbetween the shape of the notification representation and the shape ofthe textural representation of the notification. For example, resolutionof the variable texture surface may cause differences between the shapeof the notification representation and the shape of the texturalrepresentation of the notification. It can be seen that texturalrepresentation 1214 is positioned with respect to selection point 1212similarly as notification representation 1112 is positioned with respectto selection point 1113. In this manner, a user may perceive thattouching a position that corresponds with textural representation 1214relates to an input associated with notification representation 1112,even if selection point 1113 is not visually represented.

In at least one example embodiment, textural representation 1214 relatesto a textural representation of a guidance. For example, texturalrepresentation of the guidance may relate to a textural representationof guidance for a force input. For example, textural representation maybe a texture indicative of a force to be applied as part of aninvocation input.

FIG. 12C is a diagram illustrating textural representations according toat least one example embodiment. In the example of FIG. 12C, texturerepresentation 1224 is rendered on variable texture surface 1221 inrelation to selection point 1222. The shading of FIG. 12C indicates thatthe texture of textural representation 1224 differs from the texture ofthe variable texture surface at positions that do not correspond withvisual representation 1224, by having a texture indicated by texture1223.

In at least one example embodiment, textural representation 1224 relatesto a textural representation of a guidance associated with a movementpart of an invocation input. It can be seen that textural representation1221 is elongated in a direction from the selection point. In thismanner, textural representation 1224 relates to a direction of themovement input. For example, the direction of the movement part of theinvocation input may be similar to the direction in which texturalrepresentation 1224 extends from selection point 1223. In at least oneexample embodiment, a textural representation of guidance associatedwith a movement part of an invocation input is referred to as a texturalpath on the variable texture surface. Textural representation 1224 mayrelate to a textural path on the variable texture surface. For example,textural representation 1224 may correspond to a lesser texturalresistance along the textural path than the textural resistance outsideof the textural path, as indicated by texture 1223. In another example,textural representation 1224 may correspond to a greater texturalresistance along the textural path than the textural resistance outsideof the textural path, as indicated by texture 1223.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated withcausing display of notification content according to at least oneexample embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is a setof operations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 13. An apparatus,for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portion thereof, mayutilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprise means,including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance of suchoperations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 13.

At block 1302, the apparatus receives an indication of an invocationinput associated with invocation of display of, at least part of, anotification content associated with a notification. The receiving, theinvocation input, the invocation of display, the notification, and thenotification content may be similar as described regarding FIG. 6, FIGS.8A-8C, and FIGS. 9A-9B.

At block 1304, the apparatus determines at least one input aspect of theinvocation input. The determination and the input aspect may be similaras described regarding FIGS. 9A-9B.

At block 1306, the apparatus determines an interaction preference based,at least in part, on the input aspect. The determination and theinteraction preference may be similar as described regarding FIGS.8A-8C.

At block 1308, the apparatus causes display of, at least part of, thenotification content in compliance with the interaction preference. Thecausation of display, display of the notification content, andcompliance with the interaction preference may be similar as describedregarding FIG. 6 and FIGS. 8A-8C.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated withcausing display of notification content according to at least oneexample embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is a setof operations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 14. An apparatus,for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portion thereof, mayutilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprise means,including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance of suchoperations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 14.

At block 1402, the apparatus receives an indication of an invocationinput associated with invocation of display of, at least part of, anotification content associated with a notification, similarly asdescribed regarding block 1302 of FIG. 13. At block 1404, the apparatusdetermines at least one input aspect of the invocation input, similarlyas described regarding block 1304 of FIG. 13. At block 1406, theapparatus determines an interaction preference based, at least in part,on the input aspect, similarly as described regarding block 1306 of FIG.13.

At block 1408, the apparatus causes display of an introduction of thenotification content in compliance with the interaction preference. Thecausation of display and the introduction may be similar as describedregarding FIGS. 8A-8C.

At block 1410, the apparatus causes display of a retention of thenotification content in compliance with the interaction preference. Thecausation of display and the retention may be similar as describedregarding FIGS. 8A-8C.

At block 1412, the apparatus causes display of a removal of thenotification content in compliance with the interaction preference. Thecausation of display and the removal may be similar as describedregarding FIGS. 8A-8C.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated withcausing display of notification content according to at least oneexample embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is a setof operations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 15. An apparatus,for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portion thereof, mayutilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprise means,including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance of suchoperations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 15.

At block 1502, the apparatus receives an indication of an initiationpart of an invocation input associated with invocation of display of, atleast part of, a notification content associated with a notification.The receiving, the invocation input, the initiation part, the invocationof display, the notification, and the notification content may besimilar as described regarding FIG. 6, FIGS. 8A-8C, and FIGS. 9A-9B.

At block 1504, the apparatus receives an indication of a terminationpart of an invocation input associated with invocation of display of, atleast part of, a notification content associated with a notification.The receiving, the invocation input, the termination part, theinvocation of display, the notification, and the notification contentmay be similar as described regarding FIG. 6, FIGS. 8A-8C, and FIGS.9A-9B.

At block 1506, the apparatus determines at least one input aspect of theinvocation input, similarly as described regarding block 1304 of FIG.13. In at least one example embodiment, determination of the inputaspect is performed after receipt of the termination part of theinvocation input. At block 1508, the apparatus determines an interactionpreference based, at least in part, on the input aspect, similarly asdescribed regarding block 1306 of FIG. 13. In at least one exampleembodiment, determination of the interaction preference is performedafter receipt of the termination part of the invocation input. At block1510, the apparatus causes display of, at least part of, thenotification content in compliance with the interaction preference,similarly as described regarding block 1308 of FIG. 13. In at least oneexample embodiment, causation of display of the notification content isperformed after receipt of the termination part of the invocation input.

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated withcausing display of notification content according to at least oneexample embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is a setof operations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 16. An apparatus,for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portion thereof, mayutilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprise means,including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance of suchoperations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 16.

At block 1602, the apparatus receives an indication of an invocationinput associated with invocation of display of, at least part of, anotification content associated with a notification, similarly asdescribed regarding block 1302 of FIG. 13. At block 1604, the apparatusdetermines at least one input aspect of the invocation input, similarlyas described regarding block 1304 of FIG. 13. At block 1606, theapparatus determines a cognitive load of the notification content. Thedetermination and the cognitive load may be similar as describedregarding FIG. 6. At block 1608, the apparatus determines an interactionpreference based, at least in part, on the input aspect and thecognitive load. The determination and the interaction preference may besimilar as described regarding FIGS. 8A-8C. At block 1610, the apparatuscauses display of, at least part of, the notification content incompliance with the interaction preference, similarly as describedregarding block 1308 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated withcausing display of notification content according to at least oneexample embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is a setof operations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 17. An apparatus,for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portion thereof, mayutilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprise means,including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance of suchoperations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 17.

At block 1702, the apparatus receives an indication of an invocationinput associated with invocation of display of, at least part of, anotification content associated with a notification, similarly asdescribed regarding block 1302 of FIG. 13. At block 1704, the apparatusdetermines at least one input aspect of the invocation input, similarlyas described regarding block 1304 of FIG. 13. At block 1706, theapparatus determines an interaction preference based, at least in part,on the input aspect, similarly as described regarding block 1306 of FIG.13. At block 1708, the apparatus causes display of, at least part of,the notification content in compliance with the interaction preference,similarly as described regarding block 1308 of FIG. 13.

At block 1710, the apparatus receives an indication of a differentinvocation input associated with invocation of display of, at least partof, the same notification content associated with the same notification.The receiving, the invocation input, the invocation of display, thenotification, and the notification content may be similar as describedregarding FIG. 6, FIGS. 8A-8C, and FIGS. 9A-9B.

At block 1712, the apparatus determines at least one different inputaspect of the different invocation input. The determination and theinput aspect may be similar as described regarding FIGS. 9A-9B.

At block 1714, the apparatus determines a different interactionpreference based, at least in part, on the different input aspect. Thedetermination and the interaction preference may be similar as describedregarding FIGS. 8A-8C.

At block 1716, the apparatus causes display of, at least part of, thenotification content in compliance with the different interactionpreference. The causation of display, display of the notificationcontent, and compliance with the interaction preference may be similaras described regarding FIG. 6 and FIGS. 8A-8C.

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a notification according to at least oneexample embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is a setof operations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 18. An apparatus,for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portion thereof, mayutilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprise means,including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance of suchoperations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 18.

At block 1802, the apparatus determines to provide a notification to auser. The determination, the provision, and the notification may besimilar as described regarding FIG. 6.

At block 1804, the apparatus determines a textural representation of thenotification based, at least in part, on notification content associatedwith the notification. The determination and the textural representationmay be similar as described regarding FIGS. 12A-12C.

At block 1806, the apparatus causes rendering of the texturalrepresentation of the notification on a variable texture surface. Thecausation of rendering, the rendering, and the variable texture surfacemay be similar as described regarding FIGS. 3A-3D and FIGS. 12A-12C.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a notification according to at least oneexample embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is a setof operations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 19. An apparatus,for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portion thereof, mayutilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprise means,including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance of suchoperations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 19.

At block 1902, the apparatus determines to provide a notification to auser, similarly as described regarding block 1802 of FIG. 18.

At block 1904, the apparatus determines at least one contentclassification associated with notification content associated with thenotification. The determination and the content classification may besimilar as described regarding FIG. 6.

At block 1906, the apparatus determines a textural representation of thenotification based, at least in part, on the content classification. Thedetermination and the textural representation may be similar asdescribed regarding FIGS. 12A-12C.

At block 1908, the apparatus causes rendering of the texturalrepresentation of the notification on a variable texture surface,similarly as described regarding block 1806 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a notification according to at least oneexample embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is a setof operations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 20. An apparatus,for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portion thereof, mayutilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprise means,including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance of suchoperations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 20.

At block 2002, the apparatus determines to provide a notification to auser, similarly as described regarding block 1802 of FIG. 18. At block2004, the apparatus determines a sender associated with the notificationcontent. The determination and the sender may be similar as describedregarding FIG. 6. At block 2006, the apparatus determines a texturalrepresentation of the notification based, at least in part, on thesender. The determination and the textural representation may be similaras described regarding FIGS. 12A-12C.

At block 2008, the apparatus causes rendering of the texturalrepresentation of the notification on a variable texture surface,similarly as described regarding block 1806 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a notification according to at least oneexample embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is a setof operations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 21. An apparatus,for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portion thereof, mayutilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprise means,including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance of suchoperations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 21.

At block 2102, the apparatus determines to provide a notification to auser, similarly as described regarding block 1802 of FIG. 18. At block2104, the apparatus determines a cognitive load associated with thenotification content, similarly as described regarding block 1606 ofFIG. 16. At block 2106, the apparatus determines a texturalrepresentation of the notification based, at least in part, on thecognitive load. The determination and the textural representation may besimilar as described regarding FIGS. 12A-12C. At block 2108, theapparatus causes rendering of the textural representation of thenotification on a variable texture surface, similarly as describedregarding block 1806 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a notification according to at least oneexample embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is a setof operations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 22. An apparatus,for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portion thereof, mayutilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprise means,including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance of suchoperations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 22.

At block 2202, the apparatus determines to provide a notification to auser, similarly as described regarding block 1802 of FIG. 18. At block2204, the apparatus determines a textural representation of thenotification based, at least in part, on notification content associatedwith the notification similarly as described regarding block 1804 ofFIG. 18. At block 2206, the apparatus determines a position of thetextural representation of the notification. The determination and theposition may be similar as described regarding FIGS. 12A-12C. At block2208, the apparatus causes rendering of the textural representation ofthe notification on a variable texture surface in accordance with theposition. The causation of rendering, the rendering, accordance with theposition, and the variable texture surface may be similar as describedregarding FIGS. 3A-3D and FIGS. 12A-12C.

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a guidance according to at least one exampleembodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is a set ofoperations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 23. An apparatus, forexample electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portion thereof, mayutilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprise means,including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance of suchoperations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 23.

At block 2302, the apparatus receives an indication of a first inputassociated with an information item. The receiving, the first input, andthe information item may be similar as described regarding FIGS. 4A-4E,FIG. 6, and FIGS. 9A-9B.

At block 2304, the apparatus determines that the first input correspondswith a first part of an invocation input associated with invocation ofdisplay of, at least part of, content associated with the informationitem. The determination, the correspondence, the invocation input, andthe part of the invocation input may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 9A-9B and FIGS. 12A-12C.

At block 2306, the apparatus identifies a second part of the invocationinput, the second part of the invocation input. The identification andthe second part of the invocation input may be similar as describedregarding FIGS. 9A-9B and FIGS. 12A-12C.

At block 2308, the apparatus causes rendering, on a variable texturesurface, of a textural representation of a guidance indicative of thesecond part of the invocation input. The rendering, the causation ofrendering, the textural representation, and the guidance may be similaras described regarding FIGS. 3A-3D and FIGS. 12A-12C. In at least oneexample embodiment, block 2308 comprises determining the guidance based,at least in part, on the second part of the invocation input, similarlyas described regarding FIGS. 12A-12C. In at least one exampleembodiment, block 2308 comprises determining the textural representationof the guidance, similarly as described regarding FIGS. 12A-12C.

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a guidance according to at least one exampleembodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is a set ofoperations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 24. An apparatus, forexample electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portion thereof, mayutilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprise means,including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance of suchoperations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 24.

At block 2402, the apparatus receives an indication of a first inputassociated with an information item, similarly as described regardingblock 2302 of FIG. 23. At block 2404, the apparatus determines that thefirst input corresponds with a first part of an invocation inputassociated with invocation of display of, at least part of, contentassociated with the information item, similarly as described regardingblock 2304 of FIG. 23. At block 2406, the apparatus identifies a secondpart of the invocation input, the second part of the invocation input,similarly as described regarding block 2306 of FIG. 23. At block 2408,the apparatus causes rendering, on a variable texture surface, of atextural representation of a guidance indicative of the second part ofthe invocation input, similarly as described regarding, similarly asdescribed regarding block 2308 of FIG. 23.

At block 2410, the apparatus receives an indication of a second inputthat corresponds with the second part of the invocation input. Thesecond input and correspondence with the second part of the invocationinput may be similar as described regarding FIGS. 4A-4E, FIG. 6, FIGS.9A-9B, and FIGS. 12A-12C.

At block 2412, the apparatus causes display of the content based, atleast in part, on determination that the second input corresponds withthe second part of the invocation input. The causation of display andthe determination may be similar as described regarding FIG. 6, FIGS.8A-8C, and FIGS. 9A-9B.

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a guidance according to at least one exampleembodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is a set ofoperations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 25. An apparatus, forexample electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portion thereof, mayutilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprise means,including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance of suchoperations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 25.

At block 2502, the apparatus receives an indication of a first inputassociated with an information item, similarly as described regardingblock 2302 of FIG. 23. At block 2504, the apparatus determines that thefirst input corresponds with a first part of an invocation inputassociated with invocation of display of, at least part of, contentassociated with the information item, similarly as described regardingblock 2304 of FIG. 23. At block 2506, the apparatus identifies a secondpart of the invocation input, the second part of the invocation input,similarly as described regarding block 2306 of FIG. 23. At block 2508,the apparatus receives an indication of a second input that indicates amovement in a direction. The second input may be similar as describedregarding FIGS. 4A-4E, FIG. 6, and FIGS. 9A-9B.

At block 2510, the apparatus determines whether the direction complieswith a direction of the second part of the invocation input. Thedetermination and the compliance may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 12A-12C. If the apparatus determines that the direction complieswith a direction of the second part of the invocation input, flowproceeds to block 2512. If the apparatus determines that the directionfails to comply with the direction of the second part of the invocationinput, flow proceeds to block 2514.

At block 2512, the apparatus determines a textural representation ofguidance having a low textural resistance. The textural representationand low textural resistance may be similar as described FIGS. 3A-3D andFIGS. 12A-12C.

At block 2514, the apparatus determines a textural representation ofguidance having a high textural resistance. The textural representationand high textural resistance may be similar as described FIGS. 3A-3D andFIGS. 12A-12C.

At block 2516, the apparatus causes rendering, on a variable texturesurface, of a textural representation of a guidance indicative of thesecond part of the invocation input, similarly as described regarding,similarly as described regarding block 2308 of FIG. 23.

It should be understood that the terms low and high as applied to thisexample are merely provided for purposes of differentiation relative toeach other. Low and high are not intended to be provided as terms forquantification. For example, a low textural resistant relates to atextural resistance that is lower than the high textural resistance anda high textural resistant relates to a textural resistance that ishigher than the low textural resistance.

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with atextural representation of a guidance according to at least one exampleembodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is a set ofoperations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 26. An apparatus, forexample electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portion thereof, mayutilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprise means,including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance of suchoperations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 26.

At block 2602, the apparatus receives an indication of a first inputassociated with an information item, similarly as described regardingblock 2302 of FIG. 23. At block 2604, the apparatus determines that thefirst input corresponds with a first part of an invocation inputassociated with invocation of display of, at least part of, contentassociated with the information item, similarly as described regardingblock 2304 of FIG. 23. At block 2606, the apparatus identifies a secondpart of the invocation input, the second part of the invocation input,similarly as described regarding block 2306 of FIG. 23. At block 2608,the apparatus receives an indication of a second input that indicates aforce. The second input may be similar as described regarding FIG. 6,and FIGS. 9A-9B.

At block 2610, the apparatus determines whether the force complies witha force of the second part of the invocation input. The determinationand the compliance may be similar as described regarding FIGS. 12A-12C.If the apparatus determines that the force complies with a force of thesecond part of the invocation input, flow proceeds to block 2612. If theapparatus determines that the force fails to comply with the force ofthe second part of the invocation input, flow proceeds to block 2614.

At block 2612, the apparatus determines a textural representation ofguidance having an intermediate textural depth. The texturalrepresentation and intermediate textural depth may be similar asdescribed FIGS. 3A-3D and FIGS. 12A-12C. Flow proceeds to block 2620.

At block 2614, the apparatus determines whether the force is less thanthe force of the second part of the invocation input. If the apparatusdetermines that the force is less than the force of the second part ofthe invocation input, flow proceeds to block 2616. If the apparatusdetermines that the force is not less than the force of the second partof the invocation input, flow proceeds to block 2618.

At block 2616, the apparatus determines a textural representation ofguidance having a low textural depth. The textural representation andlow textural depth may be similar as described FIGS. 3A-3D and FIGS.12A-12C. Flow proceeds to block 2620.

At block 2618, the apparatus determines a textural representation ofguidance having a high textural depth. The textural representation andhigh textural depth may be similar as described FIGS. 3A-3D and FIGS.12A-12C. Flow proceeds to block 2620.

At block 2620, the apparatus causes rendering, on a variable texturesurface, of a textural representation of a guidance indicative of thesecond part of the invocation input, similarly as described regarding,similarly as described regarding block 2308 of FIG. 23.

It should be understood that the terms low, intermediate, and high asapplied to this example are merely provided for purposes ofdifferentiation relative to each other. Low, intermediate, and high arenot intended to be provided as terms for quantification. For example, alow textural depth relates to a textural depth that is lower than theintermediate textural depth, an intermediate textural depth relates to atextural depth that is higher than the low textural depth and lower thanthe high textural depth, and a high textural depth relates to a texturaldepth that is higher than the intermediate textural depth.

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with anotification representation indicative of a cognitive load according toat least one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment,there is a set of operations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 27.An apparatus, for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or aportion thereof, may utilize the set of operations. The apparatus maycomprise means, including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, forperformance of such operations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus,for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by havingmemory, for example memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer codeconfigured to, working with a processor, for example processor 11 ofFIG. 1, cause the apparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 27.

At block 2702, the apparatus determines to provide a notification to auser, similarly as described regarding block 1802 of FIG. 18.

At block 2704, the apparatus determines a cognitive load associated withthe notification content, similarly as described regarding block 1606 ofFIG. 16.

At block 2706, the apparatus determines a notification representationassociated with the notification such that the notificationrepresentation is indicative of the cognitive load. The determination,the notification representation, and the indication of the cognitiveload may be similar as described regarding FIG. 6 and FIGS. 7A-7E.

FIG. 28 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with anotification representation indicative of a cognitive load according toat least one example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment,there is a set of operations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 28.An apparatus, for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or aportion thereof, may utilize the set of operations. The apparatus maycomprise means, including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, forperformance of such operations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus,for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by havingmemory, for example memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer codeconfigured to, working with a processor, for example processor 11 ofFIG. 1, cause the apparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 28.

At block 2802, the apparatus determines to provide a notification to auser, similarly as described regarding block 1802 of FIG. 18. At block2804, the apparatus determines a cognitive load associated with thenotification content, similarly as described regarding block 1606 ofFIG. 16. At block 2806, the apparatus determines a notificationrepresentation associated with the notification such that thenotification representation is indicative of the cognitive load,similarly as described regarding block 2706 of FIG. 27. At block 2808,the apparatus causes display of the notification representation on adisplay. The causation of display may be similar as described regardingFIG. 6 and FIGS. 7A-7E.

FIG. 29 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with aninvocation input associated with a cognitive load according to at leastone example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is aset of operations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 29. Anapparatus, for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portionthereof, may utilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprisemeans, including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance ofsuch operations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 29.

At block 2902, the apparatus determines to provide a notification to auser, similarly as described regarding block 1802 of FIG. 18. At block2904, the apparatus determines a cognitive load associated with thenotification content, similarly as described regarding block 1606 ofFIG. 16.

At block 2906, the apparatus determines an invocation input associatedwith the notification based, at least in part on the cognitive load. Thedetermination and the invocation input may be similar as describedregarding FIG. 6 and FIGS. 9A-9B.

FIG. 30 is a flow diagram illustrating activities associated with aninvocation input associated with a cognitive load according to at leastone example embodiment. In at least one example embodiment, there is aset of operations that corresponds the activities of FIG. 30. Anapparatus, for example electronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, or a portionthereof, may utilize the set of operations. The apparatus may comprisemeans, including, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, for performance ofsuch operations. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for exampleelectronic apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, is transformed by having memory, forexample memory 12 of FIG. 1, comprising computer code configured to,working with a processor, for example processor 11 of FIG. 1, cause theapparatus to perform set of operations of FIG. 30.

At block 3002, the apparatus the apparatus determines to provide anotification to a user, similarly as described regarding block 1802 ofFIG. 18. At block 3004, the apparatus determines a cognitive loadassociated with the notification content, similarly as describedregarding block 1606 of FIG. 16. At block 3006, the apparatus determinesan invocation input associated with the notification based, at least inpart on the cognitive load, similarly as described regarding block 2906of FIG. 29.

At block 3008, the apparatus receiving an indication of an inputassociated with the notification. The input and the association with thenotification may be similar as described regarding FIGS. 4A-4E and FIGS.9A-9B.

At block 3010, the apparatus determines whether the input correspondswith, at least part of, the invocation input. The determination and thecorrespondence may be similar as described regarding FIGS. 9A-9B. If theapparatus determines that the input corresponds with, at least part of,the invocation input, flow proceeds to block 3012. If the apparatusdetermines that the input fails to correspond with, at least part of,the invocation input, flow proceeds to block 3014.

At block 3012, the apparatus causes display of, at least part of, thenotification content. The causation of display may be similar asdescribed regarding FIG. 6 and FIGS. 8A-8C. In this manner, causation ofdisplay of, at least part of, the notification content may be based, atleast in part, on determination that the input corresponds with theinvocation input.

At block 3014, the apparatus precludes display of the notificationcontent. For example, causation of display of, at least part of, thenotification content may be predicated upon determination that the inputcorresponds with the invocation input.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented in software, hardware,application logic or a combination of software, hardware, andapplication logic. The software, application logic and/or hardware mayreside on the apparatus, a separate device, or a plurality of separatedevices. If desired, part of the software, application logic and/orhardware may reside on the apparatus, part of the software, applicationlogic and/or hardware may reside on a separate device, and part of thesoftware, application logic and/or hardware may reside on a plurality ofseparate devices. In an example embodiment, the application logic,software or an instruction set is maintained on any one of variousconventional computer-readable media.

If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed ina different order and/or concurrently with each other. For example,block 1604 of FIG. 16 may be performed after block 1606. Furthermore, ifdesired, one or more of the above-described functions may be optional ormay be combined. For example, blocks 1712, 1714, and 1716 of FIG. 17 maybe optional and/or combined with block 1610 of FIG. 16.

Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independentclaims, other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations offeatures from the described embodiments and/or the dependent claims withthe features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinationsexplicitly set out in the claims.

It is also noted herein that while the above describes exampleembodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed ina limiting sense. Rather, there are variations and modifications whichmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention asdefined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor;at least one memory including computer program code, the memory and thecomputer program code configured to, working with the processor, causethe apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving an indicationof a first input associated with an information item; determining thatthe first input corresponds with a first part of an invocation inputassociated with invocation of display of, at least part of, contentassociated with the information item; identifying a second part of theinvocation input, the second part of the invocation input beingimmediately subsequent to the first part of the invocation input; andcausing rendering, on a variable texture surface, of a texturalrepresentation of a guidance indicative of the second part.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the second part relates to a movementinput and the guidance is indicative of the movement input.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the textural representation of theguidance relates to a texture that is communicative of a preference forthe movement input.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second partrelates to a movement in a direction, and wherein the texturalrepresentation of the guidance relates to less textural resistance in adirection that complies with the second part than the texturalresistance in a direction that fails to comply with the second part. 5.The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the textural representation of theguidance being indicative of a direction that complies with the secondpart relates to being indicative of animal fur being stroked along thelay of the fur, and wherein the textural representation of the guidancebeing indicative of a direction that fails to comply with the secondpart relates to being indicative of animal fur being stroked inopposition to the lay of the fur.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe memory includes computer program code configured to, working withthe processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: receiving anindication of a direction associated with, at least part of, the secondinput; determining the textural representation of the guidance based, atleast in part, on a difference between a direction of the second inputand the direction associated with the second input.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the textural representation of the guidance relates toa textural path on the variable texture surface.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the second part relates to a force input, and theguidance is indicative of the force input, and wherein the texturalrepresentation of the guidance relates to a texture that iscommunicative of a preference for the force input.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the apparatus is a mobile phone.
 10. A methodcomprising: receiving an indication of a first input associated with aninformation item; determining that the first input corresponds with afirst part of an invocation input associated with invocation of displayof, at least part of, content associated with the information item;identifying a second part of the invocation input, the second part ofthe invocation input being immediately subsequent to the first part ofthe invocation input; and causing rendering, on a variable texturesurface, of a textural representation of a guidance indicative of thesecond part.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the second part relatesto a movement input and the guidance is indicative of the movementinput.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the textural representationof the guidance relates to a texture that is communicative of apreference for the movement input.
 13. The method of claim 10, whereinthe second part relates to a movement in a direction, and wherein thetextural representation of the guidance relates to less texturalresistance in a direction that complies with the second part than thetextural resistance in a direction that fails to comply with the secondpart.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the textural representation ofthe guidance being indicative of a direction that complies with thesecond part relates to being indicative of animal fur being strokedalong the lay of the fur, and wherein the textural representation of theguidance being indicative of a direction that fails to comply with thesecond part relates to being indicative of animal fur being stroked inopposition to the lay of the fur.
 15. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising: receiving an indication of a direction associated with, atleast part of, the second input; determining the textural representationof the guidance based, at least in part, on a difference between adirection of the second input and the direction associated with thesecond input.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the texturalrepresentation of the guidance relates to a textural path on thevariable texture surface.
 17. At least one computer-readable mediumencoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform:receiving an indication of a first input associated with an informationitem; determining that the first input corresponds with a first part ofan invocation input associated with invocation of display of, at leastpart of, content associated with the information item; identifying asecond part of the invocation input, the second part of the invocationinput being immediately subsequent to the first part of the invocationinput; and causing rendering, on a variable texture surface, of atextural representation of a guidance indicative of the second part. 18.The medium of claim 17, wherein the second part relates to a movementinput and the guidance is indicative of the movement input.
 19. Themedium of claim 17, wherein the textural representation of the guidancerelates to a texture that is communicative of a preference for themovement input.
 20. The medium of claim 17, wherein the second partrelates to a movement in a direction, and wherein the texturalrepresentation of the guidance relates to less textural resistance in adirection that complies with the second part than the texturalresistance in a direction that fails to comply with the second part.